In a statement issued yesterday evening, a small group of faculty members, administrators, and members of the university’s senate have been engaged in discussions with student organizers regarding the dismantling of an encampment on campus. The dialogue aims to address the reasons for dispersal and to establish guidelines for future university policies. The university acknowledged that both parties have their own demands and stated that rumors of police involvement were false.
Earlier in the week, Columbia University had set a deadline for protesters to dismantle the camp by midnight, followed by an extension of negotiations for an additional 48 hours. The university warned of considering alternative actions if no agreement was reached, leading to speculation about police intervention. The subsequent evacuation of the compound resulted in arrests, but Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that the process was peaceful with no injuries.
Following the incident, the university suspended students involved in organizing the protests and members of the banned SJP organization. Notably, one of the suspended students is the daughter of the Muslim legislator Ilhan Omar, known for her criticism of Israel. The events have sparked discussions and debates about activism on campus and the handling of student-led demonstrations.