Dozens of protesters took over a building at Columbia University in New York early Tuesday, barricading the entrances and unfurling a Palestinian flag out a window in the latest escalation of demonstrations against the Israel-Hamas war that have spread to college campuses nationwide. The protesters locked arms in front of Hamilton Hall early Tuesday and carried furniture and metal barricades to the building, naming it after a Palestinian child allegedly killed by the Israeli military. The occupation of Hamilton Hall was planned to continue until the university met the protestor’s demands of divestment, financial transparency, and amnesty. Columbia University issued an advisory urging members of the community to avoid the campus as essential personnel reported for work according to university policy.
Universities are facing challenges in clearing out encampments as commencement ceremonies approach, with some opting for negotiations while others resort to force and ultimatums. Dozens were arrested at protests at universities in Texas, Utah, and Virginia, with Columbia suspending students before the Hamilton Hall takeover. The demonstrations over the Israel-Hamas war have led to a national outcry, resulting in nearly 1,000 arrests at campuses across the country and forcing colleges to address their financial ties to Israel and support for free speech. Some Jewish students claim the protests have turned into antisemitism, leading to fear among students on campus, and raising concerns about the effects suspensions and legal records may have on students in the future.
At the University of Texas at Austin, at least 40 demonstrators were arrested on Monday, with over 50 arrested at the campus the previous week. Police at the University of Utah broke up an encampment outside the university president’s office, arresting 17 people. Columbia’s demonstrations have inspired protests at other universities, with some facing suspensions and legal complaints from students. Northwestern University reached an agreement with students and faculty for peaceful demonstrations, while the University of Southern California held talks with encampment organizers. In response to protests and encampments, universities have taken varying approaches, with some ordering the clearing of encampments and threatening discipline, including suspension and arrest, for those who refuse to comply.
Protest organizers are demanding amnesty for students who have been arrested, with the suspensions and legal records potentially affecting students’ future opportunities. Legal complaints have been filed against Columbia University by both Jewish and pro-Palestinian groups, prompting federal investigations into the university’s compliance with civil rights laws. Northwestern University reached an agreement with protesters on its campus near Chicago, while the University of Southern California engaged in talks with encampment organizers. USC faced controversy over its commencement decisions, sparking protests on campus, while high-profile universities like Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, and Yale continued to face standoffs with protestors. Police in riot gear at Virginia Commonwealth University clashed with protesters as they sought to break up an encampment on campus.
