Columbia University Faculty Stage Walkout in Solidarity with Pro-Palestinian Student Protesters Arrested by NYPD

On April 22, 2024, Columbia University faculty members staged a walkout in solidarity with pro-Palestinian student protesters who were arrested by the NYPD at the administration's request. The arrests occurred despite police stating that the demonstrators were peaceful. Over 100 protesters, including students from Columbia and Barnard College, were apprehended after the university requested the NYPD to clear out an encampment on the university's South Lawn.

The protests at Columbia are part of a broader wave of pro-Palestinian demonstrations at universities across the U.S., including at Yale University where at least 45 people were arrested. Students have been demanding their schools condemn Israel's actions in Gaza and divest from companies with ties to Israel. Some Jewish students, meanwhile, have expressed concerns that the criticism of Israel has veered into antisemitism.

Why this matters: The events at Columbia reflect the escalating tensions on college campuses surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the balance between free speech and protecting students from hate and harassment. The mass arrests and faculty walkout also raise questions about the role of police on university campuses and the administration's handling of student protests.

Columbia University President Minouche Shafik announced that all classes will be held virtually on Monday, the start of Passover, to "deescalate the rancor and give us all a chance to consider next steps." Shafik has faced criticism from faculty members for suspending the student protesters and authorizing the police raid. In a letter, 54 Columbia Law School professors condemned the university's decision, arguing that the mass suspensions and lack of transparency threatened the university's legitimacy.

The White House has condemned alleged antisemitism and "hate-filled, targeted speech" at the Columbia protests, which have continued for five days. New York City Mayor Eric Adams said the NYPD would only intervene if the speech went "too far" or posed an "imminent threat." The NYPD has maintained a presence around Columbia's campus but has remained off the grounds at the administration's request.

In a briefing on April 22, NYPD officials emphasized that Columbia University has the authority to decide on the extent of police presence on its private property. "The streets surrounding the university are public property and have a large police presence to prevent crime and violence," an NYPD spokesperson stated. "We are committed to protecting people's First Amendment rights." The officials also noted that they have not received any reports of physical harm against students.

Key Takeaways

• Columbia faculty staged walkout over arrests of pro-Palestinian protesters
• Protests part of broader wave at US universities over Israel-Gaza conflict
• Columbia president suspended classes to "deescalate" amid criticism of arrests
• White House condemned alleged antisemitism, NYPD says no reports of harm
• Debate over free speech, campus policing, and university's handling of protests