Multiple prestigious US universities have implemented various actions to mitigate campus tensions stemming from the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Columbia University canceled in-person classes, while New York University (NYU) arrested dozens of protesters and warned against continued demonstrations. Harvard University closed Harvard Yard to the public, and Yale University arrested around 45 protesters for trespassing.
These measures follow the arrest of over 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators at Columbia last week. Universities are faced with the challenge of balancing freedom of expression and maintaining a safe and inclusive campus environment.
Pro-Palestinian protests have also taken place at other campuses, including the University of Michigan, NYU, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). At Columbia, Jewish students have expressed concerns about antisemitic rhetoric and feeling unsafe.
NYU officials warned protesters on Monday to clear the plaza or face consequences, leading to mass arrests around 8:30 pm. Protesters have demanded that universities condemn Israel’s actions in Gaza and divest from companies that sell weapons to Israel.
Columbia President Minouche Shafik expressed sadness over the campus situation and announced virtual classes on Monday. Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots football team and a donor to Columbia, has suspended his donations due to concerns about student safety.
Protests have spread across college campuses since Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel, resulting in thousands of casualties. MIT students have set up a tent encampment to call for a ceasefire and protest alleged university complicity in the conflict.
A rabbi at Columbia recommended Jewish students return home until campus safety improves. Protesters have reportedly called for violence against Israel, including in Tel Aviv.
Columbia had previously faced criticism at a congressional hearing regarding antisemitism. Shafik has condemned the Middle East conflict but emphasized the need to avoid disruptions to important university events.
A group of deans and administrators will work on resolving the crisis, but Shafik did not specify when in-person classes would resume. US House Republicans have urged Shafik to resign over the campus unrest.
Harvard Yard was closed to the public on Monday, with security guards checking for school IDs. Yale police arrested protesters who set up tents on Beinecke Plaza and defied warnings to leave. The university had engaged in discussions with protesters prior to the arrests.
Last week, the University of Southern California canceled a commencement speech by its valedictorian due to security concerns, drawing mixed reactions from pro-Israel groups and free-speech advocates.
Several students at Columbia and Barnard College were reportedly suspended for participating in protests, including Isra Hirsi, the daughter of Democratic US Rep. Ilhan Omar.
