New York City’s Columbia University has temporarily suspended over 65 students and banned another 33 from campus following a recent incident where pro-Palestinian protesters forcibly entered the main library during finals week. The university authorities have stated that the number of individuals facing disciplinary actions may change as the investigation progresses.
This Wednesday, around 80 participants were arrested by the police during the on-campus demonstration. On that day, several demonstrators wearing headscarves and masks stormed into the Butler Library, hung Palestinian flags on the walls, and plastered stickers and graffiti on the walls and desks. The incident occurred during finals week when hundreds of students were preparing for exams inside the library, causing chaos on campus. The university promptly notified the authorities, and the protesters were cleared from the library later that evening, with the library reopening the following day.
Interim President of Columbia University, Claire Shipman, has strongly condemned the incident, stating in a release that it remains unclear if there were outside individuals involved. The occupation of the library the week before finals forced 900 students to evacuate study spaces, many of whom did not even have time to retrieve their belongings.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced that the government is reviewing the immigration status of some individuals involved in the incident.