The campus of Columbia University was buzzing with student activism on Thursday as protesters set up tents in defiance of the university’s decision to call in the police to clear an encampment used to protest the Israel-Hamas war.
Despite the removal of the tents and the arrest of over 100 protesters, the students remained undeterred. They took over a campus lawn, planning to stay all night and even enjoying donated pizza and snacks. An impromptu dance party broke out, showcasing their upbeat mood.
Layla Saliba, a Palestinian-American student, expressed the sentiment of many protesters, stating, “The police presence and the arrests do not deter us in any way. If anything, all of their repression towards us — it’s galvanized us. It’s moved us.”
The decision by Columbia’s president to bring in law enforcement came after a congressional hearing where certain contested phrases were discussed as warranting discipline. This move was met with criticism from academic freedom experts who accused the university of compromising academic freedom and free expression.
Other universities, such as MIT, NYU, and Brown, have also taken tougher measures against student protesters, including arrests and suspensions. However, the actions of Columbia and other institutions have sparked a debate on whether these tactics will quell protests or fuel them further.
The history of student activism at Columbia, dating back to the Vietnam War protests in 1968, serves as a backdrop to the current events. The tactics used by today’s protesters are seen as more benign compared to the confrontations of the past.
As the students continue to protest and face consequences for their actions, the future of activism on college campuses remains uncertain. The spark ignited at Columbia may spread to other campuses, leading to a new wave of student protests across the country.
