Columbia University students demand refund of tuition fee; Gaza Protests Intensify

After Columbia University announced that classes will be conducted in an online mode, parents of many students are reportedly demanding a refund of the tuition fee.

Students across US universities are protesting against President Joe Biden for his handling of the war in Gaza. After the pro-Palestinian protest resulted in multiple arrests at the universities, the tension intensified on the campuses and Columbia University announced online classes for the rest of the year.

Amid all this, media reports suggested that the parents of several students were demanding a refund of the tuition fee.

This demand followed Columbia University President Minouche Shafik's announcement of shifting classes to hybrid mode. She said, "Students across an array of communities have conveyed fears for their safety, and we have announced additional actions we are taking to address security concerns. There is a terrible conflict raging in the Middle East with devastating human consequences. To de-escalate the rancour and give us all a chance to consider the next steps, I am announcing that all classes will be held virtually on Monday," as reported by India TV.

Gaza protest gains momentum; Anger spikes

America's most prestigious universities have witnessed protests by students who are angry with the university officials and law enforcement. The protests across various universities including Yale and New York University resulted in multiple arrests and shut down of classes. Jewish students have alleged harassment by the protestors.

"My college administration, my representatives in Congress and my own president have continually acted as spokespeople for the Jewish community, equating anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism," said Jewish student Sarah Borus, from Columbia's Barnard College, at a news conference held by Jewish and Palestinian students, as reported by NDTV.

Columbia and New York University saw the highest number of arrests of protestors.

US Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said on the X platform, "Antisemitic hate on college campuses is unacceptable. I am deeply concerned by what is happening at Columbia University. In November 2023, our Office for Civil Rights opened an investigation of Columbia involving Title VI."

"Universities are at their best when they promote the respectful exchange of diverse views and constructive debate. Our Office for Civil Rights interprets the civil rights laws we enforce consistent with free speech and other rights protected under the First Amendment.

 

"Amid an alarming rise in antisemitic & Islamophobic incidents at schools & college campuses, @EDcivilrights reminds schools that federal civil rights law protects all students from discrimination based on race, color, or national origin," said US Department of Education on X platform.

 

Read more:

• Columbia University classes go hybrid; Faculty members conduct walkouts in solidarity with arrested students
• Columbia University's students allege harassment by Pro-Palestinian protesters