On Tuesday, the 30th of April, pro-Palestinian protesters occupied Hamilton Hall at Columbia University in New York, despite warnings and a deadline to disperse and dismantle the encampments, and dozens of demonstrators barricaded the building as the university began temporarily suspending students involved in the two-week protest against the Gaza war, reports the British broadcaster BBC.
One student said there was “lawlessness” on campus as officials grappled with a protracted demonstration that has sparked a wave of rallies elsewhere.
Columbia University has asked students and staff to stay off campus on Tuesday.
Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), one of the main protest groups, vowed in a post on X to defy the order to leave and called on activists to “protect the encampment”.
Later, the group announced the occupation of Hamilton Hall, pointing out that student protests had also taken place in the hall in 1968. Another group, Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD), announced that it had “reclaimed” the building in honour of Hinda Rajab, a six-year-old girl who died earlier this year in Gaza.
Taking over Hamilton Hall as done in 1968, Columbia students unfurl a banner that reads “Hind’s Hall,” in reference to Hind Rajab, a six-year-old girl killed by Israeli forces.Hundreds of students cheer as the banner is revealed, erupting into chants to “Free Palestine.” pic.twitter.com/Oi8WgdZmqf
— Prem Thakker (@prem_thakker) April 30, 2024
A student described the campus as “lawless, total anarchy” as demonstrators smashed the building’s windows to gain entry and then blocked the door with furniture.
BREAKING:
Masked students are now breaking into the Hamilton Hall at Columbia University, occupying the building.
Major escalation! pic.twitter.com/dnOqXw42f5
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) April 30, 2024
Columbia University President Minouche Shafik reiterated in a statement on Monday that the university will not sever its financial ties with Israel and that negotiations between academic administrators and student organisers have not resulted in an agreement.
Pressure on the leadership of the prestigious Columbia University has intensified, with calls for action or resignation.
The campus has become a focal point for national debates on the Gaza conflict,
US support for Israel and concerns about rising anti-Semitism threatening Jewish students.
On Monday, a group of Democrats in the House of Representatives called on its board to resign if it fails to “act decisively, disperse the camp and ensure the safety and security of all students”.
A week ago, police arrested more than 100 protesters at a previous camp. But activists redoubled their efforts, regrouping in another camp and forcing the university management to move to remote learning.
Many protesters wore face coverings for fear of recognition and repercussions, although the university has indicated that it has already identified a number of participants.
Columbia University’s annual tuition and fees for its undergraduate programme are around 90 000 USD, making it one of the most expensive universities in the US.
Hundreds of people have been arrested across the country,
including several dozen protesters on Monday at the University of Texas at Austin, where officials said protesters ignored instructions to dismantle tents and that “stones the size of baseballs” were found at the camp.
UN human rights chief Volker Türk expressed concern about law enforcement activities on US campuses, saying their impact has sometimes been disproportionate.
He stressed the importance of freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly as fundamental to society.
At Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, students reported that police used tear gas and pepper spray during their gathering on Monday, with the university claiming that the group was repeatedly asked to leave the area, noting that many of the participants were not students.
In Boston, a rare agreement was reached between Northwestern University and protesters who had set up camp in solidarity with the Palestinians, where the university allowed “peaceful demonstrations” on condition that the camp be limited to one tent.
Also read: VIDEO | Protests against the war in Gaza are growing at US universities
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