Columbia University has recently begun suspending students involved in pro-Palestinian protests that have persisted on campus for several weeks. The university had set a firm deadline for the protesters to disperse by 2pm, which was not met, leading to administrative actions. These suspensions are part of the university’s response to ongoing encampments and demonstrations on its campus, which began two weeks ago.
NOW: “Disclose! Divest! We will not stop, we will not rest!”
Students at Columbia University are gathering at the sundial at the center of campus to rally in support of the ‘Gaza Solidarity Encampment’ pic.twitter.com/psPYPgp25b
— katie smith (@probablyreadit) April 29, 2024
President Nemat Minouche Shafik of Columbia University stated that the decision was influenced by a need to ensure that graduation ceremonies for outgoing students could proceed without disruption. This was particularly emphasized given that many current graduates missed similar celebrations during the COVID pandemic due to restrictions and closures.
Additionally, the situation has escalated to the point where the university senate has voted to investigate the administration’s handling of the protests. Accusations against the administration include violating established protocols, undermining academic freedom, and breaching the due process rights of students and faculty. This response came after the administration permitted NYPD officers to enter the campus to disperse protesters, a move that resulted in multiple arrests and has since sparked further protests across the country.
NOW: Columbia University faculty link arms and form a wall in front of the entrance to the ‘Gaza Solidarity Encampment’ as hundreds of students encircle the both lawns
Students remaining in the encampment were told they could face disciplinary action after 2PM pic.twitter.com/C1XRgHzs8b
— katie smith (@probablyreadit) April 29, 2024
Amidst this backdrop of administrative and police action, safety concerns have grown as students supporting both Jewish and Palestinian causes have reported incidents of harassment. Just before the dispersal deadline, faculty members donned high-visibility vests and formed a human chain around the protesters in a gesture of solidarity, aiming to protect students from being forcibly removed.
In related news, Virginia Tech also faced significant protest activity, leading to substantial police action. More than 90 individuals were arrested at a protest encampment on the university campus, according to a statement from Virginia Tech. The arrests, which included 54 current students, occurred shortly after 10:20pm on Sunday April 28, following a police announcement that those who did not leave would be considered trespassers. Each individual arrested was charged with trespassing, highlighting the growing tension and enforcement at university protests nationwide.