More than 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators were arrested on Thursday at Columbia University in New York City after blocking an encampment set up in protest of Israel’s actions in Gaza. In response, university officials have ordered classes to be held virtually on Monday to de-escalate tensions and give the community time to consider next steps.
Emerson and MIT students have established encampments in solidarity with pro-Palestinian demonstrators arrested at Columbia University. The students at Emerson are calling for the university to support a ceasefire in Gaza and to divest from institutions that support Israel. At MIT, students and workers have also set up an encampment, citing the university’s alleged support for Israel’s military forces. Emerson officials are monitoring the situation, while MIT Israel Alliance has called for the university to remove the encampment and enhance campus security.
Tensions have risen at Columbia University after pro-Palestinian students set up a protest encampment on campus. In response, a former Israeli intelligence officer has suggested that Jewish students leave the school for their safety. Other Jewish community members have also urged students to go home amid concerns of rising antisemitism. The NYPD has warned that the Jewish holiday of Passover may see intensified violence from possible extremist groups. In response, the university has announced that all classes will be held virtually over concerns for possible violence.
At least 16 individuals, including students, have been apprehended during pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Yale University. This action mirrors the recent crackdown at Columbia University, where similar protests erupted. The Yale students established a ‘Gaza Plaza Liberated Zone’ on campus, echoing the actions of their Columbia counterparts. The protests have sparked reports of harassment against Jewish students at both universities.
