Over 100 students were arrested after police cleared a pro-Palestinian protest encampment at Columbia University. The days-long demonstration violated campus rules banning overnight gatherings.
In a statement, President Nemat Shafik said the “extraordinary step” was necessary for student safety after “multiple notices” were ignored. Protesters constructed 50 tents earlier this week without authorization.
Among those participating was Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s daughter, Isra Hirsi. She and two others have since been suspended from Barnard College, where classes and housing access are now denied.
Organizers decried this as illegitimate, depriving students of basic needs. Barnard stated only that staff warned protesters of “interim suspensions” if the encampment continued.
The arrests sparked faculty debate over free speech. Classics lecturer Joseph Howley expressed dismay, urging the university to facilitate open dialogue rather than “law-and-order responses.” Ilhan Omar’s daughter
The action followed growing pro-Palestinian demonstrations nationwide. Last week, major transport routes were blocked across several cities including bridge crossings in New York and San Francisco.
As the conflict continues overseas, debate appears set to carry on locally within campus limits and regulations regarding appropriate protest conduct. Both sides argue principle yet differ on proper forms of civic participation.
