Pro-Palestinian student protesters at Columbia University have continued their demonstrations despite mass suspensions and arrests. Arrested protesters were peaceful and did not resist, but faced long hours of waiting in handcuffs before being released. The arrested students, including a graduate student named Johanna, fear retaliation from the school but are determined to continue protesting for what they believe is right. A growing number of demonstrators joined the protests on Friday as they occupied the campus space, now with large blankets in place of tents.
Columbia and Barnard College did not specify how many students were suspended or for how long. Columbia’s new policy on demonstrations, implemented in February, allows protests in certain outdoor areas with prior approval on weekdays from noon to 6 p.m. However, Wednesday’s encampment was not authorized by the university, leading to the crackdown on protesters. Isra Hirsi, a Barnard student and daughter of Rep. Ilhan Omar, was among those arrested and suspended. Omar expressed pride in her daughter for standing up against genocide and pushing her school to take a stand.
The tensions over free speech on college campuses have escalated since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began in October. Student protesters are undeterred by the crackdown on their demonstrations at Columbia University, with many continuing to occupy the campus space and engage in peaceful protests. The protesters believe they are on the right side of history and are willing to face the consequences of their actions in order to bring attention to their cause and advocate for change.
The arrested students shared their experiences of being detained and processed, with some still having physical injuries from being in handcuffs for hours. Despite the fear of suspension and retaliation, the students remain committed to their cause and are determined to continue their protests for Palestinian rights. The protests at Columbia have drawn attention to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine and the need for greater awareness and action on the part of universities and students around the world.
President Nemat “Minouche” Shafik of Columbia University defended the decision to crack down on the protesters, citing violations of campus rules on protest activity. The university remains committed to enforcing its policies on demonstrations to ensure the core functions of the institution continue. However, the protesters argue that their actions are justified in the face of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for solidarity with the Palestinian people.
The protests at Columbia University reflect a broader movement on college campuses in support of Palestinian rights and against the Israeli occupation. Despite the crackdown on demonstrations, student protesters are determined to continue raising awareness and advocating for change. The involvement of prominent figures like Rep. Ilhan Omar and her daughter Isra Hirsi has brought national attention to the issue and highlighted the importance of free speech and protest in the fight for justice. The ongoing protests at Columbia and other campuses demonstrate the power of student activism in challenging oppressive systems and advocating for marginalized communities.
