Students established a “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” at Columbia University to protest Israel’s actions in Gaza and demand divestment from Israel-affiliated companies.
Police raided the encampment, arresting over 100 students, who were subsequently suspended by the university. Protests continued, with tents being re-erected over the weekend.
Amidst the protests, multiple antisemitic incidents were reported, including harassment of Jewish students, although the university and students have suggested that the perpetrators were external groups.
Following the announcement of canceled in-person classes due to the unrest, a significant number of Columbia faculty members staged a walkout in support of the students.
The faculty members did not explicitly express support for the pro-Palestinian cause; instead, they carried signs demanding an end to student suspensions, protection for students, and the restoration of faculty governance.
Columbia University declined to comment on the faculty walkout but released a statement from President Nemat “Minouche” Shafik, acknowledging the need for a resolution and expressing concern about intimidating behavior on campus.
During the faculty demonstration, Columbia history professor Christopher L. Brown criticized President Shafik for calling in the police, which led to the forceful removal of the encampment.
A business professor, Shai Davidai, also condemned the university president, accusing her of supporting terrorism by engaging with pro-Palestinian protestors.
President Shafik has announced the establishment of a working group to address the ongoing crisis and has invited discussions on the use of police on campus.
