Over 100 Arrested as Police Move in on Pro-Palestinian Protesters at Columbia University
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NEW YORK — Amid escalating tensions over the Israel-Hamas conflict and the Columbia university protest, the university finds itself at the center of controversy once again.
In the early hours of Friday morning, renewed shouts and chants emanated from the main lawn, signaling the persistence of pro-Palestinian demonstrators who have maintained a presence for three consecutive days.
Meanwhile, access to the campus has been restricted to individuals with valid university IDs, underscoring the administration’s efforts to control the situation.
Thursday saw the New York Police Department (NYPD) take decisive action, arresting more than 100 individuals at a makeshift encampment on the lawn, which served as a focal point for demonstrations both on and off campus.
Throughout the day, law enforcement officers closely monitored activities near the campus before eventually moving in to dismantle the tent city. Clad in riot gear, officers blocked off 114th Street and Broadway with seven correctional buses, leading to the removal of protesters from the encampment.
Protesters Recount Systematic Detainment by Officers: University Criticized for Failure to Protect Demonstrators
Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of officers systematically detaining protesters, with one student lamenting, “We were peacefully occupying the space to demand our voices be heard, but before I knew it, everyone had been apprehended.”
Another student described the ordeal as “heartbreaking,” emphasizing the failure of the school to protect peaceful demonstrators.
Notably, pro-Palestinian protester Jin Hookky condemned the university’s response, asserting, “It’s clear that the school has made no effort to safeguard the students engaging in peaceful protest.”
Subsequently, detained students were transported to the precinct, with the majority receiving summonses for trespassing.
Mayor Eric Adams weighed in, affirming New Yorkers’ right to express their grievances but condemning any form of harassment or hate speech.
Campus Unrest: Columbia University President Calls for NYPD Intervention
As the day wore on, demonstrations at the main entrance persisted, occasionally erupting into violent clashes with counter-protesters and resulting in further arrests.
In response to the escalating situation, Columbia University President Minouche Shafik penned a letter requesting NYPD intervention, citing the encampment’s disruption to university operations as justification.
Expressing regret, Shafik announced the suspension of all students involved in the encampment, lamenting their refusal to engage in dialogue.
The decision to involve law enforcement came after repeated warnings for protesters to vacate the premises by Wednesday evening.
Shafik reiterated the university’s commitment to political expression within established guidelines, emphasizing the importance of safety for all members of the community.
Barnard College Suspends Students Amidst Intensifying Protests: Hirsi Vows to Continue Advocating
Meanwhile, Barnard College suspended three students, including Isra Hirsi, for their participation in the protests, prompting vows from Hirsi and others to continue advocating until their demands are met.
The demonstrations, which initially began on Wednesday amidst dueling protests, intensified following Shafik’s testimony on Capitol Hill regarding allegations of failing to address antisemitic rhetoric on campus.
Responding to the accusations, Shafik acknowledged the challenges of balancing free speech with the need to combat discrimination, but critics argue that the heavy-handed response undermines the university’s commitment to free expression.
Student Natan Rosenbaum emphasized the importance of addressing concerns raised by Jewish students, while protester Jin Hookky reiterated the focus on condemning Israeli government actions rather than targeting Jewish individuals.
Looking ahead, the NYPD has pledged continued collaboration with the university to ensure compliance with regulations for the remainder of the semester.
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If they want to protest it’s has to be a peaceful one definitely the police will not apprehend anyone,the university community is suppose to protect them.