On Thursday, the New York Police Department officers intervened at Columbia University to disperse a pro-Palestinian protest that had commenced a day earlier. The protest coincided with the university president's testimony before a House committee regarding the institution's response to antisemitism.
The demonstrators, comprising students, faculty, and other participants, had set up tents, displayed signs, and organized a rally in upper Manhattan on Wednesday. A significant number of protesters stayed overnight at the site.
On Thursday, NYPD officers utilized bullhorns to warn the protesters that they would face arrest unless they immediately dispersed. Meanwhile, large groups of Columbia students gathered around the perimeter, chanting slogans such as “Shame on you” and “The students united will never be defeated.”
Columbia President Nemat “Minouche” Shafik has been under scrutiny on campus for the perceived lack of protection provided to students against antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab harassment.
In an email sent to students on Thursday, Shafik disclosed that she had authorized the NYPD to dismantle the encampment. She explained that this decision was made “out of an abundance of concern for the safety of Columbia’s campus” and emphasized that the individuals behind the encampment had violated numerous rules and policies.
Shafik stated, “I took this extraordinary step because these are extraordinary circumstances.” The move to disband the protest was seen as a response to the alleged breaches of regulations by the protesters.
