Tensions are escalating at Columbia University as pro-Palestinian protesters refuse to comply with a deadline to leave their encampment on campus. The deadline, which required students to pack up their nearly two-week-old encampment by 2 p.m., also demanded that the protesters identify themselves and pledge to follow university policies through the next school year. After the deadline passed, hundreds of students took to protesting on the quad, emphasizing that their movement is not just about violating rules but a larger anti-war movement that has sparked solidarity encampments across the nation and globally.
Despite efforts by Columbia University officials to negotiate with the protesters, talks broke down after Columbia refused to divest from Israel, a demand made by the pro-Palestinian student group. In a statement, Columbia University President Dr. Minouche Shafik acknowledged that both sides had worked in good faith to find a resolution but were unable to reach an agreement. The university offered an alternative venue for demonstrations after the exam period and commencement had concluded, warning that if the encampment was not removed, disciplinary procedures would be initiated. The university also mentioned consulting with a broader group in the community to explore internal options to resolve the crisis as soon as possible.
Despite the failure to reach an agreement, Columbia University confirmed that exams, including a remote option for those who requested support, would proceed as scheduled, with graduation set to take place on May 15. While Columbia stated it would not divest from Israel, they offered to develop an expedited timeline for reviewing divestment proposals and shared information about their direct investment holdings. Additionally, they proposed convening a faculty committee to address academic freedom, and financial barriers to academic programs, as well as making investments in health and education in Gaza. However, the university’s decision not to divest led to Jewish students filing a class-action lawsuit alleging that Columbia has failed to keep them safe and violated the Civil Rights Act by not banning students and outside agitators inciting violence.
The tensions at Columbia University have spurred similar actions at other universities, such as Rutgers University, where students set up an encampment following a rally to protest the school’s lack of response to their request for divestment from Israel. The students felt their demands were ignored at a recent meeting, despite over 6,000 students voting in favor of a referendum calling for divestment. The encampment at Rutgers highlights the growing movement among students advocating for divestment from companies doing business with Israel. The university’s president, while showing respect for the students’ right to protest, made clear his personal opposition to the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement and reaffirmed his support for the relationship with Tel Aviv University. The ongoing protests at universities reflect the deepening divide and heated discussions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict within academic institutions.
