After pro-Palestinian protesters occupied Columbia University‘s Butler Library on Wednesday, two public health officers were hurt in the obscene scenes. The protesters stormed the primary reading room of the building, redesigning it as the” Basel Al-Araj Popular University,” and unfurled banner, some of which had Palestinian colors. The pupils repeatedly asked to identify themselves or leave the building, according to Columbia’s acting president, Claire Shipman, which called the New York Police Department. Around 7o’clock, many hrs after the opposition started, video footage from social media showed NYPD officers wearing mob hats entering the library. At least 21 people were escorted out of the building while others were seen removing protesters. Prior to this, protesters had previously reportedly yelled slogans and hung banners declaring the area a” Liberated Zone.” Some had reportedly yelled slogans and banners as they forced their way past college protection. In the reading room, artwork, such as” Columbia will burn,” was visible scrawled across framed photographs. The incident is the most recent climax in a row between pro-Palestinian student organizations and Columbia University that has accused the school of funding “imperialist crime” through its opportunities. In response to the Trump administration’s alleged failure to protect Jewish students from intimidation, the school has recently threatened to withdraw more than$ 400 million in federal study funding. Since then, the school has put stricter opposition measures in place, including requiring individuals to present ID when protesting on school. Mayor of New York Eric Adams defended the officers reply, saying that while the city supports peaceful protests, it will not bear “lawlessness.” He reaffirmed his support for Jewish students on campus and declared that any protesters who weren’t individuals may be detained.
What are the main improvements?
- Just after 3 p.m., members of Columbia University Apartheid Divest ( CUAD ) flooded Butler Library, chanting pro-Palestinian slogans and carrying signs. Columbia’s ties to “imperialist crime” were described as a disturbance by CUAD during the protest.
- Police officers walked into the tower at the request of Columbia officials. The decision was made in response to growing audience and resistance from patrons who were inside the library.
- When people attempted to break into the building, two school public health officers were hurt in what Shipman called a” group surge.”
- Activists fought back and forth with police officers, and both sides pushed and shooted. Officials blocked protesters who attempted to leave the collection. Soldiers used handcuffs to lock internal doors at one point to thwart further access.
- CUAD demanded total withdrawal from businesses connected to the Israeli military and position. They stated in an online post that they would continue to disrupt student life until Columbia fulfills their expectations.
- Tarek Bazrouk, 20, is charged with assault during past pro-Palestinian demonstrations in New York, including one near Columbia, and the opposition coincided with national hate crime charges brought against him. He is still being held without bail and is still in prison.
- The Trump presidency and conservative politicians have been under increasing pressure from the school to stop what they claim is rising hatred on campus. Student protesters barricaded themselves in Hamilton Hall in April, leading to detention and disciplinary actions.
- Following earlier unrest, Columbia established new security forces with authority to arrest people and tightened protest laws in accordance with federal demands.
- Mayor Adams reaffirmed the state’s responsibility to safe travel and peaceful protest by stating on social media that Columbia students must be able to experiment without fear of intimidation or murder.
