Columbia University has canceled in-person classes, moving to a virtual format on Monday, following the arrests of over 100 students involved in a pro-Palestinian protest. The university’s President, Nemat Minouche Shafik, announced the decision via email, citing the need to “deescalate the rancor and give us all a chance to consider next steps.”
The protests, which have been part of a broader wave of campus unrest related to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, saw students setting up a “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” on the university grounds.This encampment was targeted by New York police on Thursday, resulting in numerous arrests and subsequent student suspensions.
President Shafik expressed concern about the situation escalating and mentioned forming a working group including deans and faculty to help resolve the crisis. The group aims to foster discussions with student protestors and explore community actions to restore peaceful engagement.
Tensions have been particularly high in light of the war in Gaza, which has led to significant casualties and drawn global attention to the plight of Palestinians. Columbia students have criticized the university for its financial investments in companies they allege support Israeli actions against Palestinians.
Amid these protests, an episode of antisemitism on campus was highlighted during a House hearing on campus antisemitism last Wednesday, where President Shafik took a strong stand against such discrimination.
The White House and President Joe Biden have also responded, condemning any antisemitic actions linked to campus protests and emphasizing the importance of peace and safety for all students.
In a late Sunday statement, the protesting students vowed to continue their peaceful demonstrations against Columbia’s investments, despite facing significant personal risks and challenges.
The protests, which have been part of a broader wave of campus unrest related to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, saw students setting up a “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” on the university grounds.This encampment was targeted by New York police on Thursday, resulting in numerous arrests and subsequent student suspensions.
President Shafik expressed concern about the situation escalating and mentioned forming a working group including deans and faculty to help resolve the crisis. The group aims to foster discussions with student protestors and explore community actions to restore peaceful engagement.
Tensions have been particularly high in light of the war in Gaza, which has led to significant casualties and drawn global attention to the plight of Palestinians. Columbia students have criticized the university for its financial investments in companies they allege support Israeli actions against Palestinians.
Amid these protests, an episode of antisemitism on campus was highlighted during a House hearing on campus antisemitism last Wednesday, where President Shafik took a strong stand against such discrimination.
The White House and President Joe Biden have also responded, condemning any antisemitic actions linked to campus protests and emphasizing the importance of peace and safety for all students.
In a late Sunday statement, the protesting students vowed to continue their peaceful demonstrations against Columbia’s investments, despite facing significant personal risks and challenges.