In a statement, Columbia University President Lee C. Bollinger acknowledged the concerns raised by students and expressed the university’s commitment to providing a safe environment for all members of the community. “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,” Bollinger said. “There is a terrible conflict raging in the Middle East with devastating human consequences. To de-escalate the rancor and give us all a chance to consider the next steps, I am announcing that all classes will be held virtually on Monday.”
The university’s decision to move to online classes follows a series of protests on campuses across the country, including demonstrations at New York University, Stanford University, and the University of California, Berkeley. Students have been rallying behind the people of Palestine and holding President Biden responsible for the deaths of innocent civilians in Gaza. Some protests have resulted in arrests, including the arrest of over 100 pro-Palestine students at Columbia University.
The White House has condemned the protests, saying that echoing the rhetoric of terrorist organizations is “despicable.” President Biden has also condemned the antisemitic protests, stating that he has set up a program to deal with such incidents.
The ongoing crisis in Gaza has sparked tensions and raised concerns on college campuses across the United States. Columbia University’s decision to move to online classes underscores the severity of these concerns and the university’s priority to ensure the safety and well-being of its community.
