U.S. – Israel-Palestine Tensions: Arrest of Pro-Palestinian Protesters at Columbia University
Rewritten Article:
Pro-Palestinian Activists Stage a Raucous Protest at Columbia University
A burst of pro-Palestinian activists caused quite a stir at Columbia University, causing disruptions and leaving officials scratching their heads.
Footage circulating on social media showed the bunch of demonstrators standing atop tables, hollering their demands and beating drums inside the university’s main library.
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The activist group, Columbia University Apartheid Divest, claimed credit for the rebellion, explaining their primary goal was to bring attention to the university's ties to Israel.
"We flooded Butler Library and dubbed it the Basel Al-Araj Popular University," the group declared on Substack, referencing the Palestinian activist and writer who met his demise at the hands of Israeli forces in 2017.
"As long as Columbia University lines its coffers with the profits from imperialist violence, the people will continue to disrupt their revenue and prestige," the group further proclaimed.
Claire Shipman, the acting university president, denounced the demonstration, calling it "purely unacceptable."
University authorities reached out to the police after the demonstrators balked at providing identification and vacating the premises, Shipman revealed.
"Interruptions in our academic pursuits will not be tolerated and are violations of our rules and regulations; this is particularly grievous during finals week when our students are preparing for exams," Shipman stated in a public address.
"Columbia University expresses stern disapproval of violence on campus, antisemitism, and all forms of bigotry and discrimination, as displayed during the demonstration."
Shipman added that two Columbia Public Safety Officers had sustained minor injuries while apprehending demonstrators attempting to force their way into the building.
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The New York Police Department announced that several disruptive individuals refused to disperse, leading to their detainment.
According to New York radio station 1010 WINS, around 80 demonstrators landed in the slammer.
Columbia University, renowned as one of the nation's top academic institutions, experienced a wave of student protests last year, related to Israel's war in Gaza, which erupted on over 100 campuses across the US.
Dig a Little Deeper
The Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD) Protest: An Overview
Columbia University has long been a hive of activism, especially since the formation of Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD). The group's primary objective is to address issues in the vexed Israeli-Palestinian conflict and university policies.
Why Did They Revolt?
- Establishment and Demands: Formed in November 2023, CUAD surfaced as a response to the university's expulsion of student chapters of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), following an unauthorized event on campus. The group has six key demands:
- Economic dissociation from businesses bolstering Israeli apartheid.
- An academic boycott.
- A call for an immediate ceasefire.
- Cancellation of the Tel Aviv Global Center.
- Termination of the dual-degree program with Tel Aviv University.
- Protection of academic freedom and restoration of SJP and JVP[3].
- Latest Moves: The group recently occupied Butler Library to highlight their pleas and disrupt university activities unless their grievances receive acknowledgement[2].
Reactions to the Protest
- University's Reaction: The university has denounced disruptions to academic activities and violence on campus, including antisemitism and bigotry. The university views these acts as policy violations[2].
- Government and Legal Reactions: In response to the library occupation, around 75 individuals landed in the clink, and the government is currently reviewing the visas of certain pro-Palestinian protesters involved[1].
- Noteworthy Individuals' Input: New York City Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the right to peaceful protest but declared that lawlessness will not be condoned[2].
A Bit of Historical Context: Activism at Columbia University
Columbia University boasts a rich history of student activism, such as the Hamilton Hall occupations during the Vietnam War and apartheid disputes, dating back to 1972, 1985, and 1996[4]. The current protests mirrors this activist tradition, focusing on contemporary issues like Israeli-Palestinian relations and university policies, and echoing broader societal debates about academic freedom, human rights, and international conflicts.
- Pro-Palestinian activists, led by the Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD), staged a demonstration inside Butler Library at Columbia University, demanding attention for the university's ties to Israel.
- This protest disrupted academic pursuits during finals week, prompting university officials to reach out to the police after the demonstrators refused to provide identification or vacate the premises.
- The New York Police Department reported that several disruptive individuals refused to disperse and were subsequently detained, with around 80 demonstrators ending up in custody.
- CUAD's goals include economic dissociation from businesses that support Israeli apartheid, an academic boycott, and a call for an immediate ceasefire, among other demands.
- The Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD) is part of a long tradition of activism at Columbia University, which has been a hub of activism since the 1970s, with movements like the Vietnam War protests and apartheid disputes.
