Over 100 Columbia University and Barnard College students were arrested after refusing to leave a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus. Some students were informed that they were suspended, and their IDs would soon stop working. This meant they might not be able to finish the semester. The students who were arrested have been released with summonses, causing uncertainty as the semester comes to an end. Despite the consequences, many students remain determined to keep protesting Israel’s actions in Gaza.
During congressional testimony, Columbia University President Nemat Shafik discussed antisemitism on campus, prompting several students to be suspended after demonstrating against the university’s actions. The university has faced criticism for its handling of the protests, with some claiming that the disciplinary actions were unjust. Many of the protesters felt energized by the events and vowed to continue their activism. The University has responded by suspending all students who were at the encampment, creating a tense atmosphere on campus.
One of the high-profile protesters was Isra Hirsi, the daughter of Representative Ilhan Omar, who helped organize the encampment. After being arrested, Hirsi expressed shock at the situation but remained determined to continue protesting. The university’s decision to suspend students and call in the police has sparked debate among the student body. Some students, including Jewish students, feel that the university’s actions were unfair and are standing by their morals and principles.
The arrest of the students has led to uncertainty about their academic future and living arrangements. Suspended students have been asked to vacate student housing, with limited time to gather their belongings. This has left many students bouncing between friends’ apartments and feeling like criminals. The protesters have received support from some faculty members, signaling a divide within the university community over the handling of the situation. The campus newspaper has criticized the university’s response and called for more protection for the protesters who have been doxxed.
Despite the challenges they face, the arrested students remain defiant and committed to their cause. They have faced hours-long processing at police headquarters and have been separated by gender during the arrest process. The students have tried to maintain their morale by chanting and supporting each other through the difficult times. The ongoing protests have garnered attention both on and off-campus, with supporters voicing their solidarity with the arrested students. The future remains uncertain for the suspended students and the university’s leadership as tensions continue to rise on campus.
