Pro-Palestinian Protests Lead to Arrests, Unrest on NYC Campuses

Recent pro-Palestinian protests have led to faculty and student arrests at New York University (NYU) as well as Columbia University in NYC. On Monday night, several professors and students were taken into custody during a demonstration that ended with police involvement. This was one of multiple such events taking place on college campuses throughout the city. The “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” at Columbia began last Wednesday morning when over 40 protesters occupied campus’ central area, demanding divestiture and an end to the university’s alleged participation in genocide against Palestinians. Over a hundred students have been arrested since then, with some also facing suspension from both Columbia University and Barnard College, including Isra Hirsi – daughter of U.S Representative Ilhan Omar. At NYU on Monday night, over 100 protesters gathered to demand an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and push for divestment from Israeli weapon suppliers. The university’s main campus switched to hybrid learning following the unrest at Columbia University. Some Jewish students have expressed concern that criticism of Israel has crossed into antisemitism, while others point out Hamas’ continued detention of hostages taken during their October invasion. Similar encampments are emerging on other college campuses across America, including City College and Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC where no arrests were made as yet. The Columbia student protesters have announced an impasse with the administration amid intense negotiation since setting up last week’s encampment that has resulted in clashes between police and students. This puts more pressure on university officials to find a resolution before graduation ceremonies next month, which is also being faced by campuses from California to Massachusetts. Columbia University President Nemat Shafik recently testified before Congress regarding allegations of antisemitism at the school; she denounced such claims and affirmed her commitment to addressing them effectively.