Columbia University shows support for Gaza as new term begins
The start of the new semester at Columbia University was marked by protests at the campus gates, with demonstrators once again bringing attention to the ongoing situation in Gaza. Police reported that at least two individuals were detained during the protests, but overall described the demonstrations as “peaceful.”
Protesters gathered outside the iconic iron gates of Columbia University, chanting pro-Palestinian slogans and marching in a circle as students and staff looked on. IDs were checked at the entrance to the campus as the demonstrations unfolded.
A significant incident occurred at noon, when protesters sprayed red paint on the Alma Mater statue in front of Low Memorial Library. The area was closed off, and a cleanup crew was deployed to restore the statue.
These protests follow a series of events that unfolded during the previous academic year, including the NYPD breaking up a pro-Palestinian group occupying a campus plaza and the subsequent arrests of over 100 students. These incidents led to the cancellation of the school’s graduation ceremony.
Former Columbia University President Minouche Shafik resigned last month in response to these events, which were sparked by police intervention on campus.
Pro-Palestinian protesters urged students to remember the plight of Palestinians and the reasons behind their protests from the previous year. They distributed leaflets reminding students to “put aside your excitement for the new school year and remember the Palestinians who died with our dollars.”
In response to the protests, Columbia University spokeswoman Samantha Slater emphasized the university’s commitment to its mission of teaching and advancing knowledge, as well as providing a safe campus environment for all students.
As the new semester gets underway, tensions remain high on campus, with protesters continuing to advocate for Palestinian rights and draw attention to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The university is striving to maintain a balance between academic freedom and ensuring the safety of its students and staff amidst the protests.
