Columbia University has requested the assistance of the New York Police Department to clear a building occupied by pro-Palestinian protesters and encampments on campus. President Nemak Shafik sent a letter to the N.Y.P.D. asking for their help in ensuring the safety of individuals and the community. The police were called in after protesters occupied Hamilton Hall and refused to leave. The situation escalated as police officers entered the building and arrested those inside, with some protesters still chanting outside campus gates.
Despite facing criticism earlier this month for bringing police onto campus to clear a tent protest, Dr. Shafik stated that she had no choice but to seek law enforcement assistance to address the occupation of Hamilton Hall and ongoing encampments. She emphasized that these activities posed a serious safety risk and disrupted the normal operations of the university. With the support of the University’s Trustees, she made the decision to use emergency authority to protect individuals and property on campus.
In her letter to the NYPD, Dr. Shafik detailed the events leading up to the decision to request police intervention. She explained that a group of individuals entered Hamilton Hall with the intention of occupying the building, despite it being closed at the time. The protesters caused damage to university property and were considered trespassers. Additionally, she mentioned the encampments on the West Lawn that had been established since April 19, as well as a new encampment that appeared the night before police were called in.
Dr. Shafik informed the NYPD that all University students involved in the encampments on campus had been notified of their suspensions if they did not disperse by a certain time. She also requested that the Police Department maintain a presence on campus until at least May 17, 2024 to prevent any encampments from being reestablished. The ongoing protests and occupation of buildings were seen as a threat to the functioning of the University and required immediate action to ensure the safety of all individuals involved.
The decision to involve law enforcement in clearing the campus of protesters marks a significant development in the ongoing tensions between students, faculty, and administrative authorities at Columbia University. Dr. Shafik’s letter to the NYPD signals a willingness to take decisive action in the face of disruptions to campus life caused by the protests. Moving forward, the university will need to address the underlying issues that have led to these protests and work towards a resolution that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all members of the campus community.
