2024 in Review: Inside the Gaza encampment at Columbia University
The Take
Deep Dive
What were the main demands of the Columbia University students at the Gaza Solidarity Encampment?
The students demanded that Columbia University divest from companies with ties to Israel, end academic partnerships with Israeli schools, stop the repression of pro-Palestine voices on campus, and release a public statement calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
Why did Columbia University call in the NYPD to clear the encampment?
Columbia University President Nimat Manoush Shafiq called in the NYPD to clear the encampment after students set up tents and began protesting. The university deemed the protest a violation of its rules and took action to resolve the situation, leading to the arrests of at least 108 people.
How did the NYPD handle the student protesters during the encampment clearance?
The NYPD entered the Columbia campus around 1:30 p.m. on April 18th, breaking up the encampment and arresting protesters. They bound students' hands with zip ties and transported them to waiting police buses, despite the students' claims that the protest was peaceful.
What challenges did Fadi Shuman face after being arrested at the encampment?
After his arrest, Fadi Shuman was suspended multiple times, kicked out of his housing, and had to rely on friends for shelter. He also struggled to retrieve his belongings, including medication and house keys, as Columbia security initially claimed they didn’t know where his items were.
How did Jewish students at Columbia University react to the protests?
Jewish students had mixed reactions. Some, like Rabbi Ellie Buechler, felt unsafe due to perceived anti-Semitism and advised students to stay home. Others, like Jonathan Ben-Menachem, felt inspired by the protests and emphasized the difference between discomfort and actual safety, noting that no verified anti-Semitic incidents originated from pro-Palestine protesters.
What broader concerns did Fadi Shuman and Jonathan Ben-Menachem express about the protests?
Both Fadi and Jonathan expressed concern that the focus on Columbia’s protests was diverting attention from the ongoing violence in Gaza, where over 34,000 people had been killed. They emphasized the need to center the message of stopping the genocide and achieving Palestinian liberation rather than the campus disputes.
How did the Columbia University administration respond to the encampment and student demands?
The administration labeled the encampment a violation of university rules and took steps to resolve it, including calling in the NYPD. They also implemented remote class options for the rest of the school year, citing safety as their highest priority. However, they did not directly address the students' demands for divestment or a ceasefire statement.
- Student encampment at Columbia University protesting Israel's war on Gaza
- University's response: calling in the NYPD
- Students' demands: divestment from companies tied to Israel, end to academic partnerships, and a ceasefire in Gaza