Columbia University cancels in-person classes, Yale arrests protesters over Middle East war tensions
On Monday, Columbia University canceled in-person classes and Yale University police arrested approximately 45 protesters as tensions on U.S. college campuses continue to rise due to the ongoing war in the Middle East.
The actions at the two Ivy League institutions occurred just hours before the start of the Jewish holiday of Passover. Officer Christian Bruckhart, a spokesperson for the New Haven Police Department in Connecticut, stated that the protesters at Yale were charged with misdemeanor trespassing and released on promises to appear in court.
Last week, Columbia University witnessed the arrest of over 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators who had established an encampment on campus. Columbia President Minouche Shafik expressed deep sadness over the situation in a letter to the university community. She announced that all classes would be held virtually on Monday in an effort to reduce tensions and allow for reflection.
Shafik stated that the Middle East conflict is distressing, but emphasized that disruptions to significant events such as graduations will not be tolerated. She noted that a working group will be formed to address the crisis and determine when in-person classes can resume.
Some students at Columbia and Barnard College reported being suspended for participating in last week’s protests, including Barnard student Isra Hirsi, the daughter of Democratic U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar. Meanwhile, at Yale, a group of protesters reassembled after the arrests and blocked a street near campus. No violence or injuries were reported.
