Pro-Palestinian protests have continued to escalate at major American universities, leading to a series of extraordinary responses from school officials nationwide. The unrest, which has now extended to multiple campuses, has prompted Columbia University to transition to mostly hybrid classes on its main campus until the end of the semester.
Columbia President Minouche Shafik has come under scrutiny for involving the New York Police Department in clearing out a pro-Palestinian encampment, sparking backlash from faculty, students, lawmakers, and donors.
The demonstrations, counter-protests, and actions taken by college officials highlight the turmoil engulfing American universities, with some students, particularly Jewish students, expressing concerns for their safety amid the ongoing Passover holiday.
At New York University, over 130 individuals were arrested during a pro-Palestinian protest, prompting the intervention of the NYPD due to reported intimidating chants and antisemitic incidents. Similar incidents unfolded at Yale University, where 45 people were arrested for trespassing during an on-campus protest.
California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, made the decision to close the campus and shift to remote classes in response to what officials described as a 'dangerous and volatile' situation. Pro-Palestinian encampments have also emerged at various other institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Emerson College, the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Michigan.
Harvard University took measures to close Harvard Yard and suspended a pro-Palestine student organization for alleged violations of school policies. The pressure on university officials from various stakeholders, including protesters, supporters, faculty, students, parents, donors, and lawmakers, continues to mount.
As tensions persist, US House Speaker Mike Johnson is set to visit Columbia University to address the rise of antisemitism on college campuses. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing calls for action and responses from both university administrations and external entities.
US Education Secretary Miguel Cardona expressed deep concern over incidents of antisemitism at Columbia University, emphasizing the need for all students to feel safe and included on campus.
