Tensions at Columbia College reignited on Wednesday when dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters entered the principle library and staged a sit-in, disrupting scholar preparations for closing exams. The demonstrators, many carrying masks and kaffiyehs, moved into the second flooring of Butler Library shortly after 3 p.m., hanging banners and chanting slogans. They renamed the house “the Basel Al-Araj Standard College.” The group behind the motion, Columbia College Apartheid Divest, mentioned in an announcement that the occupation aimed to problem the college’s monetary ties to what they name “imperialist violence.” The protest is seen as a continuation of final spring’s unrest, which included the occupation of Hamilton Corridor and a subsequent police response.
This newest demonstration comes amid elevated federal scrutiny. The Trump administration has accused Columbia of failing to guard Jewish college students from harassment throughout previous protests. Because of this, the administration has lower over $400 million in analysis funding to the college. Officers have additionally been pressuring Columbia to stop additional disruptions, particularly these perceived as anti-Israel. Movies posted on social media confirmed protesters carrying backpacks and pushing previous a library safety guard earlier than heading upstairs. Columbia’s public security officers finally blocked exits, stopping some demonstrators from leaving. By 4 p.m., police mentioned round 60 people had been concerned. A college spokesperson confirmed that just one studying room was affected and acknowledged that these concerned would face disciplinary motion. “It’s fully unacceptable that some people are selecting to disrupt educational actions,” the college mentioned, as library workers evacuated college students.
