More than 100 protesters at Columbia University were arrested on Thursday for their refusal to leave a sizable pro-Palestinian protest encampment on campus, according to police.
Despite repeated warnings from the school’s president, the protesters chose to disregard the threat of police intervention and remained defiant.
Protesters, some of whom had to be carried away, were loaded onto NYPD buses. The police arrived at the Morningside Heights campus around 1 p.m. on Thursday, donning body armor and face shields.
“I commend the police officers for their actions,” expressed a 20-year-old Columbia student who preferred to remain anonymous. “We no longer feel safe and are genuinely concerned for our well-being.”
“We should remember who initiated this conflict – Hamas, that terrorist group,” he emphasized. “As visitors, we invest a significant amount of money to be here, and it is only fair that we feel secure and well-protected.”
Supporters of the encampments encircled police vehicles, momentarily preventing them from departing the area.
Columbia President Nemat “Minouche” Shafik has given her authorization to the NYPD to take action against the encampment.
On Wednesday morning, a group of students set up a campsite at the university. The school administration issued a warning, stating that if the tents were not removed by 9 p.m. that night, the students could face suspensions.
Police stated that they had apprehended approximately 100 protesters by 2:30 p.m. on Thursday.
As soon as the students entered the campus, the police issued a warning, making it clear that they would be arrested if they did not disperse. The police did not hesitate to fulfill their threats, proceeding to detain the protesters using zip ties. During the arrests, some protesters maintained their peaceful stance, prompting onlookers to shout at the police, urging them to “stand down.”
The crowd expressed their disapproval with chants of “Shame, shame, shame!” while some voiced their support by yelling, “Let them go!”
The NYPD swiftly cordoned off 114th and 115th Streets, located south of the schools’ main entrance, just before they proceeded to that area of the campus.
In an email sent to students, faculty, and staff, Shafik expressed her reluctance in having to ask for the NYPD’s assistance, stating that she had hoped it would never come to this.
Shafik mentioned in her email that they made efforts to address their concerns and even offered to continue the discussions if they agreed to disperse.
The students involved rejected all of our attempts to resolve the situation, and I deeply regret this outcome.
Protests against Israel’s reaction to the unexpected Hamas attack in October have also spread to other campuses across the United States.
Ilhan Omar’s daughter revealed that she was suspended by Barnard College on Thursday for her refusal to leave the encampment. It’s worth noting that Barnard College is affiliated with Columbia University.
Isra Hirsi, a 21-year-old student, revealed that she and at least two other students were suspended for their act of “standing in solidarity with Palestinians facing a genocide.” The suspension came as a consequence of a social media post they made.
“I am a member of CU Apartheid Divest at Columbia SJP. Throughout my three years at Barnard College, I have never faced any reprimands or disciplinary warnings. However, I recently received a notice stating that I, along with two other students, have been suspended. The reason behind this suspension is our act of standing in solidarity with Palestinians who are facing a genocide,” she expressed.
Hirsi is actively involved in a student group at the New York City school, advocating for the rights of Palestinians.
Barnard has confirmed that it temporarily suspended certain Columbia and Barnard students who repeatedly refused to comply with written and verbal requests to vacate the unauthorized encampment.
The school has not disclosed the exact number of students who were suspended. However, they have made it clear that they will continue to suspend any students who refuse to leave the unauthorized encampment.