Dozens of protesters at Columbia University escalated their pro-Palestinian demonstrations by occupying Hamilton Hall and barricading its entrances, unfurling a Palestinian flag from a window. This latest action follows the university’s move to suspend students who did not disperse from an earlier encampment protest after a given deadline, as confrontations between student activists and university administrations intensify on campuses across the United States.
The occupation at Columbia’s Manhattan campus saw protesters rename Hamilton Hall to “Hind’s Hall,” in memory of Hind Rajab, a young victim of violence attributed to the Israeli state and announced the hall’s reclamation on social media, declaring their demands for divestment from Israel, financial transparency, and amnesty for participants.
Columbia University spokesperson Ben Chang stated that Students occupying the building face expulsion, emphasizing that the university had offered a chance for protesters to leave peacefully and complete their semester but was met with refusal. “Protesters have chosen to escalate to an untenable situation — vandalizing property, breaking doors and windows, and blockading entrances – we are following through with the consequences we outlined yesterday.” Chang said.
The protests on Columbia’s campus and at various other universities nationwide are part of a broader reaction to the recent Israel-Hamas war that has witnessed significant Palestinian casualties. The broader movement has drawn sharp criticisms from Israel supporters, who label the campus protests as antisemitic, while protesters insist on their peaceful intent to stand for Palestinian rights and voice opposition against the war.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has called the escalation of protests and vandalism “lawlessness,” stating that such actions are not free speech but criminality undermining the sanctity of campuses as places for open dialogue and learning.
Meanwhile, at the national level, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced a “House-wide effort to crack down on antisemitism on college campuses,” highlighting a push by Republicans to increase scrutiny of college campuses through expanded investigation and oversight.
As Columbia’s Hamilton Hall remains occupied, the New York Police Department has stated that officers will not enter the campus without a request from college administration or an imminent emergency.
Relevant articles:
– Pro-Israel camp screens footage of Oct. 7 attack to counter pro-Hamas protest at UCLA, israelhayom.com, 04/30/2024
– Columbia University threatens to expel student protesters occupying an administration building, The Associated Press, 04/30/2024
– Palestinian university protests disrupt Columbia, UCLA, campuses across the US, CNN, 04/30/2024
– Campus protests live updates: Remaining Columbia protesters face suspension, NBC News, 04/30/2024