Campus tensions escalate as negotiations fail to resolve the dispute

Columbia University has taken action against pro-Palestinian activists who refused to dismantle their encampment on the New York campus, escalating tensions after negotiations between student organizers and university officials failed to reach a resolution.

The university’s president, Nemat Minouche Shafik, announced that despite days of discussions, the demonstrators did not comply with the request to remove the tents, which were set up in opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Students were given until 2 pm to vacate the encampment. Those who did not comply would face suspension and would be ineligible to complete the semester in good standing.

Ben Chang, a university spokesperson, confirmed that suspensions have begun as part of efforts to ensure safety on campus.

Dr. Shafik clarified that Columbia University would not divest assets supporting Israel’s military, a key demand of the protesters. Instead, she proposed investments in health and education in Gaza and increased transparency in the university’s financial holdings.

The protesters insist on three demands: divestment, transparency in university finances, and amnesty for disciplined students and faculty involved in the protests.

The Columbia Student Apartheid Divest coalition stated that they would not move until the university meets their demands or forced them to leave.

Demonstrators, many wearing traditional Palestinian scarves, continued their protest by marching around the encampment, chanting slogans calling for disclosure and divestment.

Dr. Shafik’s decision to involve the New York City police in dismantling the encampment two weeks ago drew criticism from students, faculty, and outside observers. Despite over 100 arrests, students quickly restored the encampment.

Similar protests have emerged at other universities across the US, with students expressing anger over Israel’s actions in Gaza and their universities’ perceived complicity. These protests have sparked debates over freedom of expression and hate speech, with some accusing the protesters of engaging in anti-Semitism