In response to Columbia University’s deployment of police to arrest over 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators, hundreds of faculty and graduate student workers gathered for a protest outside the university’s sole open entrance. Holding signs reading “No cops on campus” and calling for President Minouche Shafik’s resignation, protesters voiced their opposition as police officers entered and exited the campus gates nearby.
With campus closed for a second consecutive day except for students residing on campus and essential workers, faculty members reported being denied entry. The previous day, nearly 300 arrests were made at Columbia and City College by the NYPD, coinciding with a similar situation at UCLA where police intervened to disperse opposing protesters amid ongoing demonstrations against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
At Columbia, demonstrators were removed from an administration building, and encampments at the heart of nationwide protests were dismantled by officers. President Minouche Shafik condemned the violence, stating, “Students and outside activists breaking Hamilton Hall doors, mistreating our Public Safety officers and maintenance staff, and damaging property are acts of destruction, not political speech.” She also addressed concerns of student safety and antisemitic remarks made during the protests.
Meanwhile, City College, part of CUNY, sought NYPD assistance after students and external individuals refused to leave. The college clarified that while peaceful protests were permitted, police intervention was necessary due to “specific and repeated acts of violence and vandalism.”
The backdrop to these protests stems from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, with casualties mounting on both sides. The retaliation by Israel following a Hamas-led attack resulted in significant loss of life and infrastructure damage in Gaza, sparking outrage and demands for action on campuses across the United States.