Columbia University President Fails to End Pro-Palestinian Protest Amidst Safety and Academic Freedom Concerns

Columbia University’s President Nemat “Minouche” Shafik has announced that negotiations to dismantle an ongoing protest against Israel have not been successful. The demonstration, which began on campus two weeks ago and is calling for financial divestment from Israeli companies as well as a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, has continued despite the university’s requests for it to end. Shafik stated that talks between academic leaders and student organisers have failed to result in an agreement leading to the dismantling of the encampment or adherence to University policies going forward. The latest protest forms part of similar unrest witnessed on a number of high profile American campuses, with Columbia’s officials having previously warned that failure to reach consensus could see legal consequences for participants under university bylaws prohibiting protests after midnight and during exam periods. Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has criticised the University’s handling of events, branding it an “abject failure” in leadership. Shafik emphasized Columbia’s commitment to its core principles – which include safety, academic freedom, mutual respect for opinions within strict restrictions concerning protests that protect fellow students against intimidation, bullying and disruption – stating she recognised Jewish members’ sense of feeling unsafe amid hate speech perpetuated by anti-Semite activities taking place close by gates. The University has pledged to develop an expedited timeline for reviewing proposals related to divestment from Israel whilst increasing the frequency with which it updates a list detailing direct investment holdings, as well as supporting education and health initiatives in Gaza such as early childhood development and scholarships programmes. Shafik added that she would continue updating the community regarding future developments on this matter, stressing that although free speech will not be restricted, university officials have no intention of preventing peaceful protests or denying students their right to graduate. More than 100 people were arrested at Columbia University and cited for trespassing during recent demonstrations against Israel’s actions in Gaza; similar unrest has been witnessed on other high profile American campuses over the past few weeks.