President of Columbia University enlists NYPD to remove protesters

After a 34-hour occupation of part of Columbia University, dozens of students were arrested in a protest over Israel.

The students had taken over the South Lawn on the Morningside Heights campus, demanding the school divest from companies connected to Israel.

The protest coincided with Columbia University President Minouche Shafik testifying at a congressional hearing on antisemitism at the school.

Police officers, with batons and zip ties, responded to the scene after Shafik requested assistance following repeated warnings for the protesters to disperse.

Shafik stated that students participating in the encampment are now suspended due to safety concerns and disruptions to the university’s functioning.

During the arrests, students did not resist as onlookers chanted in protest. Shafik condemned antisemitism during her testimony and highlighted the importance of protecting free speech while maintaining a safe campus environment.

Since the recent Hamas attack on Israel, tensions have been high on university campuses with concerns about addressing antisemitism and supporting Palestinian rights.

Columbia, like other institutions, is under investigation for allegations of antisemitism and Islamophobia, facing lawsuits from different groups involved in the conflict.

Sam Barron, with almost two decades of experience in journalism, covers a variety of topics including politics, crime, and business.