In an escalation of the ongoing student protests in various universities of America against the Israel Hamas War, dozens were seen taking over the building of Columbia University on Tuesday, blocking entrances and unfurling a Palestinian flag out of a window. The protestors are bound to face expulsion, the school authorities said.
The latest development came in the aftermath of denial of an earlier ultimatum to dismantle the tent encampments Monday or face suspension, as various institutions geared up their efforts to dissolve the protests.
Earlier, University Spokesperson Ben Chang had said that protestors created an unsafe and threatening environment for Jewish students and faculty in violation of civil right laws.
April 30 statement from Ben Chang, University spokesperson. For the complete statement and further information, please visit the link: https://t.co/2a4cc4vLeg pic.twitter.com/rr0890AC1n
— Columbia University (@Columbia) April 30, 2024
“We are following through with the consequences. … We are taking into account how daily life here has been disrupted,” said Chang, assuring that the university is committed to safety as student demonstrators have escalated actions to what he called an “untenable” level.
Scenes showed police sweeping through campus areas, resulting in confrontations and arrests. Some protestors also chose to strike agreements with authorities that their actions will not lead to any disruptions to campus life of others.
Meanwhile, Gaza is seemingly taking small steps towards reaching a ceasefire deal. However, it does not guarantee that it would directly lead to easing of the campus protests.
Metal Barricades, furniture were carried to the Hamilton Hall and to other buildings making them part of another politically historical event after the 1968 civil rights and anti-Vietnam war protest. Social Media posts urged people to protect the encampment and join the protestors at the Hamilton Hall. A “Free Palestine” banner swirled in the air.
Despite the heroic predisposition of these protestors, the light is gloom just under the lamp. Admonishing the protests, Columbia administrators late Tuesday said that they plan to suspend some students and expel others as the heightened protests witnessed vandalisation of property, breaking of windows, and taking over of Hamilton Hall.
Meanwhile, the White House also condemned the protests which occupied university buildings, including Columbia and others. John Kirby, the spokesperson for the Biden administration said, “ The president believes that forcibly taking over a building on campus is absolutely the wrong approach. That is not an example of peaceful protests.”
White House Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates also echoed the same sentiments, when he said that Biden condemned “repugnant, antisemitic smears and violent rhetoric,” while adding that Freedom of expression is respected but protests should abide by the law.
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