Columbia University has closed its campus until further notice due to an overnight protest. A group of anti-Israel protesters broke into a campus building, Hamilton Hall, and barricaded the doors.
The university announced that only students living on campus and essential staff are allowed to enter the campus. All other entry points are closed, except for one gate, where security personnel will check students’ IDs.
The university prioritizes student safety and appreciates the community’s understanding during this time. The protesters demand that the university stop supporting Israel, be more transparent about its investments, and not punish the students involved in the protest.
The protesters occupied Hamilton Hall, breaking windows and chanting slogans. They formed a human barricade outside the building, refusing to leave until their demands are met.
The university will keep the community updated if there are any changes to campus access.
Columbia University Erupts in Protest: Students Demand Action on Israel-Palestine Conflict
A surge of student activism has engulfed Columbia University, as students and faculty members urge the institution to take a stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. The protests, which commenced on April 30, have witnessed hundreds of students and supporters occupying buildings, marching across campus, and advocating for the university to divest from companies complicit in Israel’s actions in Palestine.
The protests were triggered by the university’s response to the recent escalation of violence in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Students and faculty members have accused the university of remaining silent and complicit in the face of human rights abuses and violence against Palestinians.
The protesters are demanding that the university:
- Divest from companies complicit in Israel’s actions in Palestine
- Enhance transparency regarding its investments
- Grant blanket amnesty to students involved in the protest
The protests have featured a range of activities, including:
- Occupations of campus buildings, including Hamilton Hall
- Marches and rallies across campus
- Chanting and singing of slogans and songs
- Display of Palestinian flags and banners
In response, the university has restricted access to the campus, allowing only students living on campus and essential staff to enter. Security personnel are verifying student IDs at the sole remaining entry point.
The protests have garnered attention nationwide, with many expressing solidarity with the students and their demands. The situation remains fluid, with negotiations between the university administration and protesters ongoing.
The Columbia University protests are part of a broader movement of student activism sweeping across US campuses, with students urging their institutions to take a stand on issues of social justice and human rights.
0 Comments