Protests Erupt at Columbia University: Hind Hall Now Seized by Students Demanding Israel Divestment

A tense calm has settled over Columbia University after a group of students camped on campus in support of Gaza occupied one of the campus buildings for almost two weeks. Despite the threat of academic suspension, the campers remained in the 80 remaining tents on Monday. On Tuesday, a new development occurred as a group of protesters barricaded themselves in Hamilton Hall, a building with a history of lockdowns since the Vietnam War and protests in 1968. The White House condemned the takeover of the building as an inappropriate approach to peaceful protests.

The ongoing protests stem from the previous eviction of a camp two weeks ago, which resulted in a hundred arrests and sparked further mobilization across the country. After occupying the building, the university closed all entrances except one and limited entry to essential personnel and students in residence halls. The occupiers have demanded that the University withdraw its investments from companies linked to Israel.

The protesters have renamed the building Hind Hall in memory of a Palestinian girl who died in Gaza. NGOs, activist groups, and UN representatives have expressed support for the students’ peaceful protest. They have criticized forceful measures taken by some universities to disperse protests and dismantle camps. As graduation ceremonies approach, Columbia University is considering its next steps carefully to avoid further unrest.

Columbia University authorities are trying to avoid involving the police to evict the camp as they believe it disrupts university policy and normal operations. The situation has escalated with dozens of arrests on American campuses. However, despite this, protestors remain determined to stand up against what they see as oppression towards Palestinians.

The university is aware that its actions will have consequences beyond just disrupting normal operations on campus. It is considering its next steps carefully to avoid further unrest as graduation ceremonies approach. The students’ peaceful protest has garnered support from various organizations worldwide who are condemning forceful measures taken by some universities to disperse protests and dismantle camps.

In conclusion, Colombia University’s experience is not unique; it mirrors what has been happening on other American campuses where students have been taking stands against issues they believe are wrong. While this may be disruptive, it highlights how important it is for individuals to speak out against oppression and fight for their rights peacefully.