College Protests on Israeli Divestment Spread Across U.S., Tensions Flare at Columbia University

Protests at college campuses continue across the United States as semesters come to a close, with particular focus on Columbia University where pro-Palestinian supporters have been occupying encampments for some time now. In response, President Minouche Shafik announced that the university will not divest from Israel but has agreed to expedite reviews of new proposals related to socially responsible investing as a result of negotiations with student representatives. She emphasised Columbia’s commitment to free speech and peaceful protesting following the conclusion of reading days, examinations, and graduation ceremonies. Meanwhile, tensions flared between pro-Palestine and counter-protesters outside campus while Jewish students at another part raised their voices in support of Israel with flags placed nearby. The ongoing protests have spread to other schools such as CCNY, FIT, NYU, Yale University where 48 individuals were arrested for refusing to leave an encampment on the plaza at the centre of campus. In response to complaints about antisemitism or Islamophobia during this time, the US Education Department has launched civil rights investigations into dozens of universities and schools that also includes several institutes being faced by demonstrations against the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.