Columbia University students have entered the second day of their occupation of the campus’ great lawn, drawing pro-Palestine protesters in support of their protest.
The Columbia students and their allies set up camp on the lawn at around 4 a.m. on Wednesday. The young demonstrators say they are planning to remain until the institution divests in partners who support Israel.
The protest’s beginning coincided with the president of Columbia University, Minouche Shafik, testifying before a Congressional committee about the Ivy League institution’s efforts to combat antisemitism on campus since the Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attacks on Israel by the terrorist group Hamas.
The young protesters on the great lawn huddled in tents overnight and brought large amounts of food and toiletries to sustain themselves. Many say they have been threatened with suspension or expulsion for the action. Still, the encampment has stayed steadfast.
Many protesters say they plan on staying until their demands are met. So far, it is unclear how Columbia University plans on responding to the ongoing protest.
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Multiple entry and exit points near the lawn’s protest have been cordoned off with caution tape, making it difficult for staff and students to reach their destinations within the campus grounds. Some even utilized construction areas so that they could attempt to get around the University.
Meanwhile, Palestine supporters began to gather outside the grounds in support of those inside. Brandishing signs, waving flags, and even setting off flares, the large group on 116th Street and Broadway said they looked to stand in solidarity with the students.
Word of this spread, leading to a large contingent of counter-protesters waving Israeli flags assembling nearby for several hours before dispersing.
Wednesday evening, several Palestine protesters ended up being cuffed, apparently for infractions such as holding a flag too high and using a sound amplification device. On Thursday morning, NYPD arrested demonstrators who remained outside of the school.
“The DA won’t care about this,” one of the protesters said while getting hauled away in cuffs.
