Columbia University protests: Over 100 pro-Palestine students arrested

Columbia University’s President Nemat Minouche Shafik authorised the New York Police Department to clear an encampment of pro-Palestinian protesters on Thursday, resulting in the arrest of 108 protesters. The university has also suspended the daughter of controversial US Congress member Ilhan Omar over the protest.

The protesters, who had set up tents on Wednesday morning, were accused of violating the school’s rules and policies against unauthorised demonstrations and trespassing.

Shafik stated that the protesters had refused to engage with administrators, prompting the decision to clear the encampment.

“Out of an abundance of concern for the safety of Columbia’s campus, I authorised the New York Police Department to begin clearing the encampment … ” Shafik said in a statement, reported news agency Reuters.

The university has also started to suspend students who participated in the protest, including Isra Hirsi, the daughter of US Representative Ilhan Omar, who expressed support for the protesters during a hearing on antisemitism on campus.

“Those of us in Gaza solidarity encampment will not be intimidated,” Hirsi said on social media after being suspended, reported Reuters.

Hirsi, along with other suspended students, received notices from Barnard College, an affiliate of Columbia.

In response, Hirsi stated on social media that those involved in the Gaza solidarity encampment would not be intimidated.

The clash at Columbia University is reminiscent of the demonstrations against the Vietnam War at the school more than 50 years ago.

Protesters have demanded a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, an end to US military assistance for Israel, and university divestment from companies profiting from Israel’s incursion.

The encampment was organised by a student-led coalition of groups, including Columbia University Apartheid Divest, Students for Justice in Palestine, and Jewish Voice for Peace.

Meanwhile, at the University of Southern California, about 500 demonstrators marched in support of Asna Tabassum, a Muslim student whose valedictorian speech was cancelled by the university, which cited safety concerns.

Tabassum and her supporters claim that the university sought to silence her because of her opposition to the Israeli assault on Gaza.

Protesters marched with signs of “Let Her Speak” and chants of “Shame!” directed at the USC administration.

Demonstrator Katya Urban, 23, part of the Jewish Voice for Peace contingent at USC, stated that it was important for the Jewish voice at USC, the anti-Zionist Jewish voice at USC, to be very loud and very present.

“It feels really important especially right now for the Jewish voice at USC, the anti-Zionist Jewish voice at USC, to be very loud and very present,” said demonstrator Katya Urban, 23, part of the Jewish Voice for Peace contingent at USC, reported Reuters.

The Israeli assault on Gaza, which has killed over 33,000 people, according to the Gazan health ministry, was triggered by the Oct. 7 cross-border attack by Hamas militants that killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies.