Columbia University has requested the New York Police Department (NYPD) to maintain a presence on campus until at least May 17, following the school's commencement, in order to uphold order and prevent the reestablishment of encampments. This request was formalized in a letter from university President Minouche Shafik to NYPD Deputy Commissioner Michael Gerber.
The letter, sent on Tuesday, specifically asked the police to clear a significant protester encampment and Hamilton Hall, a university building that had been occupied by students protesting Israel's actions in Gaza.