In the wake of rising tensions over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Columbia University has suspended in-person classes and Yale University has apprehended numerous students for trespassing.
Results for: Student Protests
There has been a growing number of student protests at Columbia University and other campuses over the Israel-Hamas war. In response, universities should enforce their own student conduct codes and only ask for police help when a crime has been committed. This would avoid the botched responses that have been seen on some campuses, where universities have simultaneously sought the arrest of students and imposed suspensions and expulsions without going through their normal disciplinary process. Universities must stand behind their students’ right to peaceful protest and support the educational principles of encouraging First Amendment protected discourse. They have the tools to address hateful, racist, sexist, anti-Semitic conduct that does not rise to the level of criminal conduct. They also have the tool of law enforcement in the event of any criminal conduct or threats of violence. Teaching how to use the right tools for the right situation is a foundation of good education. It’s time for universities to have their own teaching moment.
President Biden has denounced anti-Semitic protests on college campuses, including those at Columbia University, while also emphasizing the need to comprehend the plight of the Palestinians. In response to protests related to the conflict in Gaza, Columbia University temporarily shifted to virtual classes. Student protest encampments sparked controversy, with some Jewish students expressing feelings of insecurity. President Shafik of Columbia University denounced the escalating tensions and requested assistance from the New York Police Department, resulting in the arrest of approximately 100 demonstrators.
Anti-Israel protests have spread beyond Columbia University to other elite schools and campuses around the country, with campuses in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York reporting protests and occupations by student groups. One protest at Yale University resulted in the arrest of at least 47 protesters.
Hundreds of Columbia University and Barnard College students have been protesting the Biden administration’s response to the Israel-Hamas war, calling for a cease-fire and an end to military aid to Israel. Over 100 protesters were arrested Friday, but demonstrations have continued, expanding to other campuses nationwide. Faculty, including some in academic regalia, joined the protests on Monday, while political figures have criticized the demonstrations and inaction from university leadership.
Student protests against the Israel-Hamas war continue to escalate at Columbia University and other campuses nationwide, despite the arrest of over 100 students. University President Minouche Shafik faces pressure from politicians and Jewish safety concerns have been raised, but protesters deny antisemitism and demand a ceasefire and halt to military aid to Israel.
Columbia University is facing escalating protests over the Israel-Hamas war, with student demonstrators calling for a cease-fire and an end to US military aid to Israel. The protests, which have spread to other campuses nationwide, have been met with arrests and suspensions by university administrators, further fueling tensions. The Biden administration has denounced the protests, while lawmakers from both parties are calling for action from Columbia President Minouche Shafik.
Columbia University has shifted to remote learning to quell growing tensions on campus over Israel’s war in Gaza. This follows the arrest of dozens of students protesting the university’s ties to companies connected to Israel. Similar protests and arrests have occurred at Yale University, prompting university leaders to take action against student protesters.
Columbia Law School professors have condemned the university’s suspension of student protesters and authorization of a police raid on campus. They cite procedural irregularities, lack of transparency, and involvement of the NYPD as threats to the university’s legitimacy. The university has declined to comment on the letter, while the faculty has expressed concerns about the lack of transparency, peaceful nature of the protest, and potential violations of established procedures for rule enforcement.