A group of protesters has seized control of a building at Columbia University in New York, blocking the entrances and displaying a Palestinian flag from a window. The UN human rights chief expressed concern about the handling of recent campus demonstrations by law enforcement.
In a dramatic turn of events amid protests against the Israel-Hamas conflict, footage captured protesters at Columbia’s Manhattan campus gathering in front of Hamilton Hall, carrying furniture and barricades to the building. This building holds historical significance as it was occupied during a civil rights protest in 1968.
Organizers called for support on Instagram, urging people to join them at Hamilton Hall to protect the encampment. The student radio station provided live coverage of the takeover, which occurred after a deadline for protesters to vacate their encampment.
The university’s public safety department restricted campus access to essential personnel and residential students, implementing a single access point. Despite warnings of suspension, pro-Palestinian protesters remained defiant, leading to disciplinary actions by the university.
University officials stated that negotiations with protest organizers had failed, and the institution would not yield to demands for divestment from Israel. As universities nationwide grapple with similar protests, some have resorted to force, resulting in clashes with law enforcement.
View image in fullscreenDemonstrators from the pro-Palestine encampment on Columbia’s campus show a banner as they barricade themselves inside Hamilton Hall. Photograph: Alex Kent/Getty Images
Numerous arrests were made at protests in various states, with Columbia announcing student suspensions prior to the building takeover. Tensions over the Israel-Hamas conflict continue to escalate, with arrests at campuses nearing 1,000 as the academic year concludes.
The situation remains fluid as universities navigate how to address encampments ahead of commencement ceremonies, with differing approaches leading to varying outcomes.
2024-04-30 10:40:15
Source from www.theguardian.com
