Columbia University recently experienced protest and occupation of Hamilton Hall by protesters demanding action against the war in Gaza. The protesters caused damage to the hall by overturning furniture, breaking windows, setting up barricades, and causing other destruction. The NYPD was called in to clear the protesters, and videos showed police in riot gear entering the building and securing it. Mayor Eric Adams expressed concern that the protest had been co-opted by outside agitators and called for an end to the violence.
University President Nemat “Minouche” Shafik requested police intervention after negotiations with students occupying the hall failed. Criticisms against the university administration have been raised, accusing them of silencing pro-Palestinian voices and suppressing students’ speech. The NYPD arrested nearly 100 people in response to the occupation at Columbia, with about 40 arrests taking place at Hamilton Hall. Shafik requested that police maintain a presence on campus through at least May 17, beyond the planned commencement.
Hamilton Hall, a historically significant building where protests against the Vietnam War took place in 1968, was occupied by protesters demanding divestment from companies connected to Israel or the war in Gaza. Columbia has previously cleared encampments protesting the war but new protests have emerged. The NYPD used force to clear the protesters in Hamilton Hall, citing safety reasons and the untenable situation caused by the occupation and vandalism. Despite criticisms, the university maintains its stance on clearing encampments and protests on campus.
The images and videos released by Columbia University showed the aftermath of the recent protests, with overturned furniture, broken windows, and police in riot gear entering the building. Mayor Eric Adams condemned the violence and called for an end to the protest, stating that it should be a peaceful gathering. The university faced criticism from students and faculty for its response to protests and accusations of silencing pro-Palestinian voices.
The clearing of protesters at Columbia University follows a pattern of similar actions taken by the university in response to demands for divestment and protests against the war in Gaza. Negotiations with protesters failed to result in the removal of encampments, leading to police intervention. The NYPD made nearly 100 arrests in response to the protests, with the university requesting police presence on campus through the planned commencement period. Despite the backlash, the university remains firm in its decision to clear protests and maintain safety on campus.
