Protests and Tensions at US Universities
On Tuesday, tensions escalated across different university campuses in the United States as pro-Palestinian protests by angry students led to mass arrests and disrupted classes.
Columbia University Protests
At Columbia University in New York, students have been appealing to the university to divest from companies profiting from Israeli activities in Palestine. The protests turned violent with reports of students pelting bottles at NYPD officers and bashing a chair on a police personnel’s helmet.
Response from NYPD
Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry stated that NYPD officers were professional in handling the situation. He mentioned plans to arrest individuals involved in violent acts during the protests.
Arrests and Reactions
On Monday, nearly 120 people were arrested from private universities, according to NYPD. Former President Donald Trump criticized Columbia University’s decision to hold remote classes, calling it a “grave mistake.”
Trump’s Criticism of Columbia University
Former US President Donald Trump expressed his disapproval of Columbia University’s decision to switch to remote classes. He emphasized the importance of keeping schools open and criticized the university’s leadership for making what he deemed a significant error.
University of New Mexico Protests
Students, staff, and faculty at the University of New Mexico also participated in pro-Palestine demonstrations in support of Gaza. The university reported a peaceful protest at the UNM Duck Pond, with some individuals setting up tents in violation of school policy.
Police Intervention
Police monitored the situation and eventually advised protesters to take down their tents. While some complied, others remained at the duck pond. The university emphasized the peaceful nature of the protest despite minor policy violations.