Columbia University Pro-Palestinian Protestors Defy Deadline, Occupy Campus

Pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia University disregarded a 2 p.m. ultimatum issued by the university on Monday and refused to leave their encampment of around 120 tents on campus in New York City. This latest development came after hundreds of demonstrators occupied Hamilton Hall early Tuesday, barricading entrances and displaying a Palestinian flag out of an upper-level window. The protesters locked arms in front of the building and carried furniture and metal barriers to block entry. Columbia University President Nemat Shafik testified before Congress regarding this matter earlier. Representatives for the university did not respond promptly when asked about comments via email on Tuesday morning, but Public Safety issued a statement urging those who can avoid visiting the Morningside campus during that time should do so; however, essential personnel are advised to report to work. Suspensions reportedly started according to Chang from Columbia’s Department of Media Relations despite reports that demonstrators weren’t aware they had been suspended by Monday evening. The university is currently facing federal complaints due to its handling of the protests as well. A class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of Jewish students alleges a breach in contract with Columbia, claiming it failed to maintain a safe learning environment for them despite policies and promises made earlier. Meanwhile, legal representatives acting on behalf of pro-Palestinian students have requested an investigation by the U.S Department of Education’s Civil Rights Office over concerns about their rights under federal civil law, following treatment from authorities that has upset both camps significantly lately with this new formality reaching heights that hadn’t seen previously. Colleges all across America are calling upon protesters to abandon these sit-ins in anticipation of finals and graduations rapidly approaching; the administration at Columbia University appears particularly adamant about removing demonstrators from their campuses as they face increasing scrutiny over how best to manage this situation effectively while preserving academic freedom for all students involved.