The protests at Columbia University have been ongoing for two weeks as students and pro-Palestinian activists demand that the university cut ties with Israeli patrons or companies. On Tuesday, the university issued an ultimatum to remove those who had occupied a campus building since the previous night. President Minouche Shafik followed up with another ultimatum on Monday, demanding that occupants of an encampment leave by 6 p.m. GMT. Despite five days of negotiations, the situation remained unresolved, and President Joe Biden criticized the occupation as not a peaceful demonstration.
Pro-Palestinian students and activists at Columbia are determined to protect their camp and resist removal by force. The movement has spread to other universities across the United States, where protests and arrests have occurred at several locations. The UN expressed concern over police interventions on university campuses, acknowledging the importance of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
The protests have reignited debates over freedom of expression, allegations of anti-Semitism, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Some argue that universities censor political expression, while others claim activists fuel anti-Semitism. Jewish students have joined pro-Palestinian mobilizations but are concerned about the intolerable atmosphere created on campuses. The White House and President Biden have called for peaceful protests and condemned anti-Semitic remarks.
As tensions rise between protesters, university officials, and law enforcement, it remains uncertain how this situation will unfold at Columbia University. While both sides stand firm on their respective positions regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it is clear that these events will continue to spark debate and controversy on college campuses across America.