In response to ongoing protests demanding divestment from Israel, Columbia University issued ultimatums to demonstrators, warning of suspensions if they refuse to disperse. The move came shortly after President Minouche Shafik affirmed the university’s decision not to divest from Israel, triggering protests across college campuses nationwide.
Students occupying the encampment were given until 2 p.m. to vacate, with the consequence of suspension pending further investigation if they failed to comply.
Despite the university’s directive, protesters at the encampment overwhelmingly voted to remain in place.
In a statement, President Shafik urged protesters to voluntarily end the demonstration, citing concerns about the environment it created for Jewish students and faculty, as well as disruptions to university activities, including the upcoming commencement ceremony.
Columbia became a focal point of protests advocating for Palestinian rights, with demands for divestment from companies associated with Israeli military activities amid the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas conflict, which has claimed thousands of lives in Gaza.
The protests at Columbia sparked a wave of demonstrations at campuses nationwide, resulting in numerous arrests and crackdowns.