Solidarity Protests at Columbia University
Amid ongoing protests against the Gaza war at Columbia University in New York, teaching faculty members showed solidarity with arrested students by holding a mass walkout. Here are the key highlights:
Faculty Support
- Multiple teaching faculty members walked out in solidarity with protesting students.
- They opposed the university’s decision to allow police to arrest students.
- The teachers walked with the arrested and suspended students to show support for the pro-Palestine protesters.
Student Protests
- Students erected tents on campus after previous ones were torn down during police arrests.
- A “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” was set up by demonstrators on the university’s lawns.
Arrests at Yale University
Pro-Palestinian protesters faced arrests at Yale University as well. Here’s what happened:
- More than 45 protesters, including students, were arrested by the police.
- The students, on hunger strike, demanded university support for a Gaza ceasefire.
Reactions and Responses
US President Joe Biden and Columbia University’s president, Nemat Shafik, responded to the protests:
President Biden’s Statement
“I condemn the antisemitic protests and have set up a programme to address them. I also condemn those who do not understand the situation with the Palestinians,” said President Biden.
President Shafik’s Letter
In an open letter to the university community, President Shafik emphasized the need for a reset due to recent campus behavior:
- He denounced intimidating and harassing behavior, including anti-Semitic language.
- All classes at Columbia University will be held virtually to deescalate tensions and plan next steps.
