Over 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators were taken into custody at Columbia University in New York as law enforcement dismantled a protest camp against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Some students participating in the rally revealed they were also suspended from Columbia and Barnard College, including Isra Hirsi, the daughter of US Representative Ilhan Omar.
Columbia’s president, Nemat Shafik, explained that the removal of the tents was necessary as the protesters violated university regulations and refused to cooperate with the administration.
Mayor Eric Adams of New York City confirmed that more than 108 individuals were arrested for trespassing, with two facing additional charges of obstructing government operations.
“While students have the right to express themselves, they must do so within the boundaries of university policies and not disrupt the educational environment,” Mayor Adams stated.
BREAKING: NYPD have started apprehending members of the Columbia University Palestine solidarity encampment pic.twitter.com/h3NhYsERXa
— BreakThrough News (@BTnewsroom) April 18, 2024
The clearance of the encampment occurred following a congressional inquiry where Shafik was questioned about alleged anti-Semitic incidents on campus and confronted by Omar regarding the treatment of pro-Palestinian activists.
As a prominent institution, Columbia has become a hub for student activism since the conflict in Israel-Gaza began, witnessing demonstrations both in support and opposition of the war.
Given its stature, Columbia’s handling of unauthorized assemblies has been closely monitored.
The university confirmed the suspension of students involved in the recent protest camp and is in the process of notifying them formally.
Post from www.aljazeera.com