Police removed anti-Israel protesters from Columbia University’s campus in New York City on Thursday. The demonstrating students had set up an encampment on a campus lawn, leading to their suspension. Columbia University President Minouche Shafik stated that these actions were necessary due to the protesters violating a long list of rules and policies.
President Shafik authorized the New York Police Department to clear the encampment from the South Lawn of Morningside campus for the safety of the campus. Video footage showed officers loading protesters onto police buses, with some students attempting to block police vehicles.
The encampment appeared before Shafik testified before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce regarding antisemitism on campus. The Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine announced the occupation of the campus center, demanding divestment and an end to alleged complicity in genocide.
Protesters accused Israel and President Biden of being complicit in genocide against Palestinians. The NYPD reported making multiple arrests, marking the first mass arrests on the Columbia campus since 1968.
The Columbia College Student Council criticized the involvement of police during the demonstration, calling for an environment where students can protest peacefully without fear of suppression. Protesters camped out in tents, urging the university to divest from companies with ties to Israel.
The university had restricted campus access to ID holders only in anticipation of unrest. Shafik informed the NYPD of over 100 people occupying the South Lawn, leading to their suspension for violating rules and policies.
The Barnard’s Student Government Association condemned the suspension, stating it violated due process and left affected students food-insecure and homeless. Shafik expressed regret over the situation and urged compassion and respect within the Columbia community.
Pro-Palestinian protests have increased on Ivy League campuses, including Columbia University, amid ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib criticized the retaliation against pro-Palestinian students exercising their constitutional rights to protest.
