Columbia University Pro-Palestine Protest Continues; President asks police to remain on campus until May 17

Despite the best efforts of Columbia University to make peace on campus and dismantle the ongoing Pro-Palestine protest, the unrest is refusing to die down. Police again entered the university campus yesterday, deployed tear gas, and arrested protestors. 

Columbia University is holding its stand strongly that it is in no mood to divestment from Israel company and warned pro-Palestine protestors of undesirable consequences like suspension and expulsion from the university. However, the protestors are continuing with the agitation.

“Students occupying the building face expulsion. The protesters were provided the opportunity to leave peacefully but instead declined and escalated the situation," Columbia’s Office of Public Affairs said in a statement, as reported by The Hindu.

New York City Police officers were again called on campus on April 30 and again protesting students were taken into custody. The police repeatedly said, "back up or get arrested". The protestors started the occupation of Hamilton Hall yesterday. As per the PTC News report, while the protestors were occupying Hamilton Hall, they received support in the form of pizzas and other supplies.

As per media reports, police used flash-bang devices to distract protestors as they were moved to clear Hamilton Hall. The devices were used to "disorient protesters as police made their way inside", said news site CBS.

Pro-Palestine Protestors chosen to escalate tension, said Columbia University

In its latest notice, the university said that the university regrets that the protestors have chosen to escalate the situation through their actions. The top priority of the university is to restore safety and order on campus. The disruptions at Columbia University have created a threatening environment for faculty and Jewish students that badly affected the teaching, learning and preparing for final exams, added the university statement.

"We made it very clear yesterday that the work of the University cannot be endlessly interrupted by protestors who violate the rules. Continuing to do so will be met with clear consequences. Protestors have chosen to escalate to an untenable situation - vandalizing property, breaking doors and windows, and blockading entrances - and we are following through with the consequences we outlined yesterday," reads the official statement of Columbia University.

"NYPD officer at Columbia University texting “thought we fucking shot someone” while on campus outside of Hind Hall," said a message on X platform.

 

"sarah@sahouraxo·3h BREAKING :Happening now at Columbia University.Students stand firm, refusing to back down in the face of armed NYPD Riot Cops who have invaded the campus," said another message.

 

Read more:

• Columbia University Limits Access to Morningside Campus
• Columbia University not to divest ties with Israel; Starts suspending pro-Palestine Protestors