Rioting broke out early Tuesday morning at Columbia University in New York City as protests against Israel’s conflict with Hamas reached boiling point. The Ivy League school has struggled to control anti-Israel demonstrations for the past two weeks, and despite suspending students involved in an unauthorized encampment, it appears that university officials have lost grip of their own campus.
Hundreds of rioters stormed Hamilton Hall around midnight, barricading doors with zip ties as three staff members were trapped inside. The building was eventually handed back to the protesters after they agreed to let them leave unharmed. Rioters are demanding that Columbia University divests from Israel and recognizes a Palestinian state on its campus.
The escalation in violence comes following failed negotiations between university officials and encampment members, with rioters now taking matters into their own hands by forcefully seizing property. Everyone has the right to protest in America; however, no one is entitled to commit acts of aggression or violate other people’s rights through intimidation tactics.
The situation at Columbia University highlights a dangerous trend whereby radical activists believe they can take matters into their own hands and force institutions to submit to their demands by any means necessary. It cannot be tolerated, and swift action must be taken against those who participate in acts of lawlessness to retain authority over peaceful protesters who remain within legal parameters.
The university’s failure to act decisively has emboldened the rioters; consequently, they may perceive that such conduct is justified if no retribution follows. It would be wise for Columbia University officials to take immediate action and reclaim Hamilton Hall with police support before this situation spirals out of control any further. Failure to do so could lead to a dangerous precedent being set whereby radical activists believe they can seize property by force, undermining the very foundations upon which democracy is built on campuses across America.
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