New York, NY – Students at Columbia University refused to comply with the school’s orders to leave their protest encampment by 2 p.m. on Monday. This defiance came after the university’s president announced that the school will not divest from Israel, a decision that has sparked protests at college campuses nationwide. The demonstrators were warned of potential suspension and being barred from completing the spring semester if they did not vacate the area.
Despite the ultimatum, the protesters voted overwhelmingly to remain at the encampment, which has been ongoing for two weeks. As the deadline passed, the students proceeded to march on the quad, chanting slogans in support of their cause. A section of the encampment was cleared to make room for an upcoming commencement ceremony, and the picketers generally stayed within the perimeter.
In response to the protest, President Minouche Shafik asked the demonstrators to disperse voluntarily, citing concerns about the impact on Jewish students and faculty, disruptions caused by external actors, and the distraction it posed for the student body. She also expressed the university’s desire not to disrupt the upcoming commencement ceremony.
The demands for divestment from investments supporting Israel and weapons manufacturing stem from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has resulted in significant casualties in the Gaza Strip. While Columbia University has decided against divestment, it has offered to expedite the review process for new proposals from students through the Advisory Committee for Socially Responsible Investing.
While negotiations at Columbia were at a standstill, some progress was made as the university proposed investments in health and education in Gaza. However, student organizers remain steadfast in their demands and have criticized the university for what they perceive as heavy-handed tactics. Despite the university’s warnings of disciplinary actions, the protesters have not shown any signs of backing down.
As tensions continue to escalate, both the university administration and the student protesters are at a stalemate. The encampment remains in place, with the university issuing notices urging the protesters to disperse voluntarily to avoid suspension. The situation is likely to intensify as both sides stand firm in their positions, with the outcome remaining uncertain.