The fallout of the Gaza war has created a challenging situation for authorities at prestigious American universities.
The clash between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli student protesters, along with the involvement of campus administration and police, has led to the cancellation of in-person classes and the arrest of several demonstrators.
The issue has even divided Republicans and Democrats, with both sides taking a stance while law enforcement struggles to restore order on multiple campuses.
In fact, some Republicans, including Elise Stefanik, have gone as far as demanding the resignation of Columbia University President Nemat Shafik and urging the university administration to take action.
Adding to the complexity, these protests coincide with the Passover festival, which holds great significance for followers of Judaism.
As a result, major Ivy League colleges such as Yale, MIT, Harvard, and Columbia have essentially come to a halt due to the ongoing tensions. The protests initially began with the establishment of a “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” by demonstrators on the grounds of Columbia University. Furthermore, Harvard Yard has been closed to the public on Monday as a precautionary measure.
Columbia University President Nemat Shafik has issued an open letter to the school community, urging for a “reset” in response to recent incidents of intimidation and harassment on campus. In her letter, she emphasized that the use of anti-Semitic language, or any form of language intended to harm or frighten individuals, is completely unacceptable. President Shafik assured that appropriate action will be taken to address these issues.
In an effort to de-escalate tensions and allow for reflection on the way forward, President Shafik announced that all classes will be conducted virtually on Monday. This decision aims to provide an opportunity for the entire university community to consider the next steps in addressing these concerns.
Subsequently, the university authorities confirmed that classes will continue to be held online or in a hybrid format until the conclusion of the spring semester. This measure ensures the safety and well-being of all students while the necessary actions are taken to address the incidents of harassment and intimidation.
The university emphasized its commitment to prioritizing safety while supporting students’ education and necessary academic activities in a statement released on Monday evening.
According to a report from the New York Post, the New York Police Department (NYPD) apprehended numerous student and faculty demonstrators at New York University on Monday night. The NYPD officers were equipped with riot gear during the arrests.
Initially, the professors were detained as they formed a human barrier to prevent the NYPD from apprehending the students who had not dispersed and were still occupying the camps established within the “Gaza Solidarity” encampment at Gould Plaza, the university’s private campus.
The protests have escalated to the point where even the President of the United States felt compelled to comment. When asked about the situation at Columbia University, President Biden condemned the antisemitic nature of the protests.
Following the university authorities’ decision to involve the police on the private campus last Thursday, over 100 protesters have been arrested. However, this action has only heightened tensions in New York.
The Columbia campus has been surrounded by a significant police presence, as the NYPD has taken measures to address security concerns. New York Governor Kathy Hochul visited the campus to directly address these concerns and reassure the students. In a video posted on X, Hochul expressed her empathy for the students, stating that they should not have to live in fear on their own campus.
Mimi Elias, a social work student who was among those arrested, spoke to AFP on Monday, emphasizing their determination to continue protesting until their demands are heard and addressed. Elias emphasized that their movement stands against anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, advocating for the liberation of all individuals.
As the Passover holiday commenced on Monday night, images circulated on social media depicting pro-Palestinian Jewish students participating in traditional seder meals within the protest areas across various campuses, including Columbia.
The previous week witnessed over 100 protesters being arrested after the university administration called upon the police to intervene on the private campus. This action seemingly heightened tensions and led to a larger turnout over the weekend.
Nicholas Baum, a Jewish freshman aged 19, residing in a Jewish theological seminary building just two blocks away from Columbia’s campus, expressed that the protesters during the weekend were advocating for the destruction of Tel Aviv and Israel by Hamas. He further mentioned that some of the individuals shouting antisemitic slurs were not affiliated with the university as students.
