Amidst sunny weather, hundreds of faculty and graduate student workers converged outside Columbia University’s sole accessible entrance on Wednesday afternoon to protest the recent police intervention on campus, which resulted in the arrest of over 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators.
With signs declaring “No cops on campus” and calls for the resignation of university President Minouche Shafik, protesters voiced their dissent as police personnel moved in and out of the campus gates just a few feet away. Faculty members reported being denied entry, with the campus closed for a second consecutive day except for students residing on campus and essential staff.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) confirmed nearly 300 arrests at Columbia and City College on Tuesday, coinciding with a similar police response at UCLA in Los Angeles, where clashes erupted between opposing demonstrators amidst ongoing protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
At Columbia, a significant number of arrests occurred as demonstrators were removed from an administration building, with law enforcement also dismantling encampments that had become focal points of protests nationwide.
In response to the unrest, Columbia President Minouche Shafik condemned the acts of vandalism and disruption, stating, “Students and outside activists breaking Hamilton Hall doors, mistreating our Public Safety officers and maintenance staff, and damaging property are acts of destruction, not political speech.” She acknowledged concerns of student safety and campus disruption due to the protests.
Meanwhile, City College, part of the City University of New York (CUNY), sought NYPD assistance after confrontations arose with students and external individuals who refused to vacate the premises. The college emphasized the distinction between peaceful protest and specific acts of violence and vandalism, leading to police intervention.
The demonstrations at universities across the nation reflect growing outrage over the situation in Gaza, where thousands have been killed and infrastructure devastated in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The protests have galvanized demands for divestment from Israeli companies and amnesty for student demonstrators, amplifying calls for action on campuses nationwide.