Protests and Arrests Shake Columbia University Amid Partial Reopening

Columbia University has partially reopened its campus after a wave of pro-Palestinian protests sparked by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The demonstrations, which began on April 17, have spread to nearly 60 colleges and universities across 28 states, resulting in hundreds of arrests.

Why this matters: The protests highlight the growing divide on college campuses over the Israel-Palestine conflict, with far-reaching implications for academic freedom and political expression. The protests highlight the growing divide on college campuses over the Israel-Palestine conflict, with far-reaching implications for academic freedom and political expression. The conflict's continued escalation will set a precedent for how universities and law enforcement balance free speech with public safety.

At Columbia, the protests started when students set up an encampment in front of Butler Library, demanding a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war and an end to U.S. military aid to Israel. On April 18, New York police arrested over 100 protesters, but some remained in the encampment for over a week.

The situation escalated on April 30 when dozens of demonstrators took over Hamilton Hall on Columbia's campus, vowing not to leave until their demands were met. Police stormed the building, clearing the historic hall. Columbia University released a statement saying, "We regret that protesters have chosen to escalate the situation through their actions." The university added, "After the University learned overnight that Hamilton Hall had been occupied, vandalized, and blockaded, we were left with no choice."

Similar scenes unfolded at UCLA on May 2, where Los Angeles police officers in riot gear forcefully entered a barricaded encampment set up by pro-Palestinian demonstrators, arresting dozens of protesters. The protests have drawn comparisons to the anti-Vietnam War demonstrations that swept universities in the late 1960s.

Protesters are demanding a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war, a halt to U.S. military aid to Israel, and university divestment from weapons manufacturers or companies with ties to Israel. New York City Mayor Eric Adams referred to "external actors who attempted to hijack this private protest."

NYPD data reveals that 32 out of 112 (more than a quarter) of those arrested at Columbia University had no connections to the school. At the City College of New York (CCNY), 102 out of 170 (60%) of those arrested were not affiliated with the institution, raising concerns about outside influences on the protests.

The Israel-Hamas conflict has taken a heavy toll, with Hamas killing about 1,200 people and taking more than 200 hostages in an attack against Israel on October 7, 2023, according to Israeli officials. Israel has responded by killing more than 34,000 Palestinians, health officials in Gaza say.

As Columbia University partially reopens its campus, it remains a target for ongoing protests. The university has warned faculty and students about the potential for further demonstrations. The situation highlights the complex and contentious nature of the Israel-Palestine conflict and its far-reaching impact on college campuses across the United States.

Key Takeaways

• Columbia University partially reopens campus after pro-Palestinian protests.
• Protests spread to 60 colleges across 28 states, resulting in hundreds of arrests.
• Demonstrators demand cease-fire, end to US military aid to Israel, and university divestment.
• Many arrested protesters have no connection to the universities, raising concerns about outside influences.
• The protests highlight the growing divide on college campuses over the Israel-Palestine conflict.