Columbia University Students on Strike: Nearly 2 Weeks in Protest Over Israel Investments

Protests on American campuses have escalated, leading to dozens of arrests. After occupying a building for nearly two weeks, a group of students at Columbia University remained in the remaining tents on Monday, despite the threat of academic suspension. Early on Tuesday, a new group of protesters barricaded themselves in Hamilton Hall, a building with a history of lockdowns since the Vietnam War and protests in 1968.

The White House condemned the takeover of the building as an inappropriate approach to peaceful protests. The ongoing protests stem from the previous eviction of a camp two weeks ago, which resulted in over a hundred arrests and sparked further mobilization across the country.

After occupying the building, Columbia University closed all entrances except one and limited entry to essential personnel and students in residence halls. The occupiers have demanded that the University withdraw its investments from companies linked to Israel. They have renamed the building Hind Hall in memory of a Palestinian girl who died in Gaza.

As graduation ceremonies approach, NGOs, activist groups, and UN representatives have expressed support for the students’ peaceful protest. They have criticized forceful measures taken by some universities to disperse protests and dismantle camps. The university is considering its next steps carefully to avoid further unrest as graduation ceremonies approach.

Columbia University authorities are trying to avoid involving the police to evict the campers as they believe it disrupts university policy and normal operations. However, if necessary, they will do everything within their power to ensure that law enforcement is involved if it becomes necessary.

In conclusion, Columbia University is facing a tense calm after days of protests by students supporting Gaza occupied one of its buildings for nearly two weeks. Despite efforts by authorities to evict them peacefully through negotiation or other means, some protesters remain committed to their cause even if it means facing disciplinary action or even legal consequences.

It is important for universities across America to strike a balance between allowing peaceful protests and maintaining order while also protecting their policies and operations from being disrupted by unruly behavior or violence.