Students have returned to the campus of Columbia University. The schooled kicked off its first day of classes this week, which also marked the return of pro-Palestinian protesters, reigniting tensions that rocked the school during the last academic year.
Around 50 demonstrators gathered in front of Columbia’s main gates on Tuesday, waving Palestinian flags and chanting “free Palestine.” The New York Police Department reported some protesters were taken into custody. Meanwhile, a Columbia spokesperson said despite the protests, the university had a productive first day.
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Some entrances were closed and access was limited to students, staff and preauthorized guests. Columbia’s new leadership has been working to calm tensions by holding listening sessions.
The university released a report on campus antisemitism, and even rolled out new protest guidelines aimed at reducing disruption. But for student organizers, the measures aren’t what they’re looking for.
They say they’re planning to escalate their actions, including potential encampments, until the university cuts ties with companies linked to Israel.
This semester begins under the shadow of last spring’s turmoil, which saw then-president Minouche Shafik resign after twice calling in police to break up protest encampments. The university went into lockdown when officers made arrests during a student occupation of a campus building, further escalating tensions.
Today, the atmosphere at Columbia is significantly different. Security has been tight, with ID checks at campus gates and new rules prohibiting camping on university grounds. Officials at Columbia and universities nationwide continue to debate about the definition of antisemitism.
