On Monday afternoon, New York’s Columbia University resembled a military installation rather than a renowned institution of learning. The campus gates, adorned with balloons welcoming new students, were locked down, with security guards stationed every 10 feet around the perimeter. At the main Broadway gate, a phalanx of police officers in riot gear watched as protesters, many donning traditional Palestinian scarves, chanted slogans supporting the intifada and calling for the liberation of Palestine.
Amidst the protests, campus grounds were divided. Within the campus quad, youthful protesters established a tent city and received deliveries of pizza. Smiling runners, their faces beaming with idealism, carried the food through wrought iron gates. Outside, Jewish students cautiously navigated the scene, their expressions ranging from concern to apparent indifference.
A similar atmosphere prevailed at New York University’s Stern School of Business, where protesters occupied the entrance, prompting police intervention on Monday night. Yale and Harvard universities have also witnessed similar protests, though Columbia has faced a particularly severe physical takeover.
The demonstrations are part of a long-standing tradition of student activism, dating back to protests against the Vietnam War. However, as the tragic events at Kent State University in 1970 demonstrated, such protests can escalate dangerously. At Columbia, the situation raised questions about the ability of the university to fulfill its educational mission amidst the disruption. The closure of campus and the shift to remote learning raised concerns about contractural obligations and the university’s failure to provide a stable learning environment.
University leaders have faced criticism for failing to anticipate the unrest that followed Hamas’ attack on Israel and Israel’s subsequent response in Gaza. Columbia’s President Nemat (Minouche) Shafik has been accused of failing to address antisemitism on campus and faces a vote of no confidence from the faculty.
Despite the challenges, one can sympathize with Shafik and her peers, who have faced a difficult situation. The number of U.S.-based protesters supporting the Palestinian cause is significant, and their actions have had an impact on President Joe Biden’s rhetoric. However, the effect on Israel remains a concern.
The ongoing unrest in New York serves as a warning for Chicago, which will host the Democratic National Convention this summer. The city must plan ahead to avoid being caught unprepared. Reports indicate that students, especially Jewish students, are considering alternative campuses in the South or institutions like Brandeis University and the University of Chicago, which have been more effective in maintaining a positive learning environment.
If revenue and prestige are impacted, Ivy League presidents and boards of trustees may face further scrutiny from not only Congress but also parents, donors, and alumni, particularly those of Jewish descent, who are growing weary of the uncivil discourse dominating campus life.
