Columbia University has become the driving force behind protests over the Gaza War
A standoff between pro-Palestinian protesters and Columbia University administration reached a peak in New York on Tuesday. Officials were keenly watching whether this would result in more protests on college campuses or whether the growing movement would be suppressed.
Protesters in Columbia University have occupied an academic building that has a history. This building was occupied by student protesters during the Vietnam War too.
The surge in action by the protesters came after the deadline issued by the university administration on Monday for the protesters to leave the camp passed.
A timeline illustrating how Columbia University became the driving force behind protests on college campuses across the country:
Let’s check out how Columbia University became the driving force behind protests on college campuses across America:
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Today a clash happened between Protesters and Police at Colombia University.
University of California in Los Angeles was filled with pushing, kicking, and beating with sticks to one another. Police wearing helmets and face shields in a line to separate groups of pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel protesters to end violence.
On April 30, dozens of protesters took over Hamilton Hall. Banners were saying “Free Palestine”. Administrators warned them that if they did so they would face expulsion. Protesters were voicing their three demands, which included a call for greater financial transparency and an apology for their grievances, and Divestment from companies supporting the conflict in Israel and Gaza.
It was at this last event that the New York City police came in and it all started. The police captured the building and evacuated the people. Police have also camped on the premises. The New York Police said in its statement that the act was carried out following a request from the university.
On April 29, the day before the riot, Columbia suspended more than 100 student protesters. And more than 1,000 were arrested.
On the day Columbia University President Nemat Shafiq was called to answer to Congress, students camped out at the university. Republicans harshly criticized the President. Allegations of anti-Semitism arose during pro-Palestinian protests against Israel’s actions in the war in Gaza.
