Columbia University Suspends Anti-Israel Protesters as Arrests Made at Other US Campuses

Columbia University has suspended anti-Israel protesters who defied a deadline to disperse from a protest encampment on campus. The protests, which have sometimes veered into antisemitism, were sparked by demands for the university to divest from investments in Israel amid the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Similar protests and arrests have occurred at other campuses across the U.S., raising concerns about the impact on Jewish students and debates over free speech.

Pro-Palestinian student activists at Columbia University created a tent village called the 'Gaza Solidarity Encampment,' and a leader of the movement called out for 'Zionists' to be pushed out of the camp. Dozens of protesters surrounded and encircled three Jewish students who had entered the encampment, making them feel targeted and scared. The university offered to create an expedited timeline for reviewing new proposals from students, as well as to make investments in health and education in Gaza. However, the talks resulted in a stalemate, and the university issued notices to protesters asking them to vacate the encampment by 2 p.m. or face suspension.

The protests have been occurring at various US campuses following Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza. Hundreds of Texas state troopers descended on a pro-Palestinian student protest at the University of Texas at Austin, arresting several demonstrators. Similar protests have also taken place at other universities, such as Yale, George Washington University, and the University of California Los Angeles, raising questions about academic freedom and free speech.

Why this matters: The protests reflect the broader tensions and divisions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict and its aftermath. They have forced colleges to reckon with their financial ties to Israel and their support for free speech, while making some Jewish students deeply uncomfortable.

Columbia University President Minouche Shafik said the protests had created an unwelcoming environment for many Jewish students and faculty, and had become a "noisy distraction" for students. The university did not call the police but has begun suspending students, though it's unclear how many. Colleges across the U.S. are urging pro-Palestinian student protesters to clear out their tent encampments as commencement ceremonies approach. The demonstrations have led to nearly 1,000 arrests nationwide and have prompted federal complaints and a class action lawsuit against Columbia University.

Key Takeaways

• Columbia Univ. suspends anti-Israel protesters for defying deadline to disperse encampment.
• Protests sparked by demands for Univ. to divest from Israel amid Gaza conflict.
• Protesters surrounded Jewish students, making them feel targeted; talks with Univ. stalled.
• Similar protests at other U.S. campuses raise concerns about academic freedom and free speech.
• Protests reflect broader tensions over Israel-Hamas conflict, leading to nearly 1,000 arrests nationwide.