Columbia University Suspended Students Involved in Pro-Palestinian Protests

Columbia students march around their camp after the deadline passes (Image Ref: Getty)

(The Post News) – College leaders across the United States have instructed pro-Palestinian student protesters at Columbia University in New York to immediately vacate the tent encampments where they are currently protesting. If these students persist in disobeying the deadline to disband, which includes engaging in chants, clapping, and drumming, they will face suspension. This order was issued on Monday, April 29th, as a response to ongoing protests by Columbia University students. Nevertheless, despite the order, many students are still demonstrating at the site.

The protests began on Wednesday, April 17, when a small group of students set up tents at Columbia University. Their purpose was to oppose the Israeli military’s actions in Gaza and urge their university to cease engaging with companies that they believe support the war. As the people of Gaza continued to endure hardship caused by the Israeli military, more students joined in to express their solidarity with Gaza.

The authorities in Texas have arrested numerous protesters and disbanded their camp at the University of Texas at Austin as the protests persist. According to the college statement, the encampment contained rocks approximately the size of baseballs, and it is believed that most of the protesters are not affiliated with the university. George Lobb, the lawyer assisting the protesters, mentioned that around 50 arrests were made on Monday at the Austin campus.

On Monday, when protesters at the University of Texas at Austin returned as requested, they were greeted by a large number of law enforcement officers. Despite this, many protesters chose to stay prepared and did not back down.

The state Department of Public Safety and authorities reported that they used pepper spray when a group of protesters blocked the path of a police van transporting arrested demonstrators, aiming to clear the road. Following this, officers deployed two flash-bang explosives to open a path for the van to depart.

According to The Associated Press, Columbia University is facing a lawsuit from Jewish students who claim that the university did not fulfill its contractual obligation to maintain a safe learning environment. The lawsuit alleges that despite the university’s policies and promises, it failed to ensure the safety of the students, especially during the transition from in-person classes to other formats. As a result, Columbia is required to provide security for the students.

On the other hand, a legal group representing pro-Palestinian students has urged the U.S. Department of Education’s civil rights office to investigate Columbia’s treatment of these students. The group believes that Columbia may have violated the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The university spokesperson declined to comment on this matter.

It’s still unclear whether suspensions and legal records will continue to affect students as they grow into adulthood.