0 CommentsColumbia University has been subject to much media attention regarding its pro-Palestine protests and Encampments over the past several months. Bwog reported on the protests first-hand and provided live updates throughout the duration of the Encampment. Read for a summary of Bwog’s coverage of the protests during the 2023-2024 academic year.
Content warning: violence, discrimination, hate speech.
Over the past several months, Columbia University has been the grounds for pro-Palestine and pro-Israel protests, largely in response to Columbia’s ties to Israel. Bwog, a Columbia undergraduate news publication, has provided breaking news coverage of the protests and activities of the Gaza Solidarity Encampment, the first university encampment in support of Palestine. As the new academic year draws near, we have compiled a summary of Bwog’s coverage of Columbia’s protests and the ongoing University responses. While students have protested in support of Palestine for many years, this article touches on Bwog’s coverage of the past 10 months.
Please note that the following article is a summary of Bwog’s coverage of the protests and campus discourse, intended primarily to educate new students, non-affiliates, and those who were not on campus during the past several months. This is not a comprehensive list of the events of the past 10 months. Bwog only reports on the Columbia campus environment and does not claim to have extensive knowledge regarding the history of Israel and Palestine. Because we are an undergraduate news publication, the below information details the events occurring in the Columbia undergraduate community.
Table Of Contents
Student Groups Centering On Israel Or Palestine
History Of Protests And The University’s Responses: October 2023 – August 2024
2023: October, November, December
2024: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August
Explanations Of A Few Terms Used By Pro-Palestine Supporters At Columbia That Often Spark Confusion
What Can I Expect When Beginning As A Columbia Student? How Do I Get Involved Or Learn More?
I. What Was The Encampment?
The Gaza Solidarity Encampment existed for nearly two weeks between April 17 and April 30, 2024. Pro-Palestine protesters, mainly Columbia students, occupied primarily West Butler Lawn, deeming it a “liberated zone.” The original Encampment was constructed on East Butler Lawn on April 17 and taken down on April 18 during the first wave of student arrests. After the arrests, an extension of the East Butler Lawn Encampment was constructed on West Butler Lawn, ultimately being deconstructed on April 30 after the second wave of arrests.
Dozens of tents were built on the Encampment, where many protesters slept. The Encampment also had a “tarp,” where food, medical supplies, clothing, and other necessary items were kept. Apart from active protest, the Encampment was a place of discussion about Palestinian liberation—teach-ins and speaker events were held and a library tent held relevant literature. Demonstrators also often gathered together to sing and make art.
The Encampment was built with the intention of pushing forward various demands of Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD) in support of Palestinian liberation. Protesters’ demands of the University primarily included financial and academic divestment from Israel and eventually also amnesty for disciplined students. The Encampment was seen as a bargaining chip for protesters’ demands, as East/West Butler Lawn is a large space in the center of campus and would put a damper on Columbia’s ability to host a successful Commencement.
Thousands of people, affiliated and not affiliated with Columbia, participated in the protests surrounding the Encampment, often taking place in the area around the lawns or on Broadway or Amsterdam. Those actively living in the Encampment were in most danger of disciplinary action and arrest, while those merely participating in external protests were generally seen to be in safer positions. Many individuals also supported the Encampment without protesting, for example by bringing food and supplies to the tarp, sharing information, and organizing jail support and other forms of mutual aid.
During the life of the Encampment, organizers negotiated with University officials regarding their demands. After negotiations ceased with no mutual agreement, an autonomous group of protesters escalated by occupying Hamilton Hall, renaming it Hind’s Hall after six-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab, who was killed by the IDF. The evening following the occupation, the University authorized the NYPD to arrest demonstrators.
Hamilton Hall was previously occupied in 1968, 1972, 1985, 1992, and 1996. The most notable occupations were in 1968, where students protested against the University’s involvement in the Vietnam War and their plans to build a segregated gym in Morningside Park, and 1985, where students protested against the University’s investment in companies profiting from South African apartheid.
II. Student Groups Centering On Israel Or Palestine
Barnard Amnesty: A campaign fighting for the reversal of disciplinary action faced by Barnard student protesters engaged in protest activity.
BC/CU Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP): Barnard/Columbia JVP is the University’s Jewish Voice for Peace chapter, an anti-Zionist Jewish advocacy group. Members of JVP fight for the same goals as Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD), as the three group’s operations largely overlap. JVP and SJP were suspended as University clubs in November 2023 due to holding protests unauthorized by the University.
Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD): Columbia University Apartheid Divest is a coalition of Columbia student groups supporting the liberation of Palestine and “an end to all interlocking systems of oppression through collective action and solidarity with oppressed people worldwide.” CUAD (pronounced colloquially as “quad”) is the centralized body for all pro-Palestine activities and demands on campus. While CUAD has been an active student group for many years, it became inactive in 2020 and resumed activity after the suspension of SJP and JVP in November of 2023, becoming the hub for pro-Palestine mobilization on campus.
Central to CUAD are its five demands, which are regularly emphasized in protests and on social media. CUAD’s first demand is for Columbia to financially divest “from companies and institutions that profit from Israeli apartheid, genocide and occupation in Palestine,” according to CUAD’s website. CUAD also urges Columbia to increase financial transparency. The second demand is an academic boycott of the Columbia Dual Degree Program with Tel Aviv University, the Columbia Global Center in Tel Aviv, and any other links with Israeli academic institutions. CUAD’s third demand is for Columbia to end displacement, proposing that the University “cease expansion, provide reparations, and support housing for low-income Harlem residents.” The fourth demand is to end policing on campus by defunding Public Safety, ending relations with the NYPD, and “end[ing] the targeted repression of Palestinian students and their allies on and off campus.” CUAD’s fifth demand is to “end the silence,” urging the University to “denounce… the ongoing genocidal campaign against the Palestinian people” and call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire.
CUAD’s website also lists research regarding Columbia’s links to Israel, a list of boycotting criteria, a legal assistance form, a teach-in support request form, and a form where individuals can provide grievances regarding Barnard President Laura Rosenbury.
As of August 2024, 116 Columbia student groups are members of the CUAD coalition. The members span a wide variety of student organizations across several undergraduate and graduate colleges, including identity groups, pre-professional organizations, journals, activist groups, art-based clubs, and more. CUAD currently has a newsletter with over 13,000 subscribers.
CU Jews 4 Ceasefire: Created in November 2023, CU Jews 4 Ceasefire is composed of Jewish Barnard and Columbia students advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza. Members involve a wider range of student perspectives than strictly pro-Palestine or pro-Israel groups, as the group’s goal is merely to raise support for a ceasefire.
Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine at Columbia, Barnard, and Teachers College (FSJP): A member of a larger network of University chapters, FSJP is the coalition of faculty, staff, and graduate student workers at Barnard, Columbia, and Teachers College who support Palestinian liberation and the demands of CUAD. In the past, FSJP members have called for strikes, participated and spoken at protests, and supported student protesters, especially those facing disciplinary action.
The Palestinian Student Union (Dar): According to Columbia’s website, this is “a platform for Palestinian groups, students, and allies across the University to come together, collaborate, and advocate for the Palestinian cause.” The Palestinian Student Union itself has not been a main group involved in organizing recent protests, which have been primarily organized by SJP and CUAD. To Bwog’s knowledge, Dar instead seems to focus primarily on the Palestinian experience at Columbia.
Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP): This is the Columbia University chapter of the National SJP organization. At Columbia, SJP—along with CUAD, JVP, and other pro-Palestine groups—fights for Palestinian liberation. Columbia SJP organizes protests, teach-ins, and various other initiatives to educate and mobilize the Columbia community in rallying for divestment from Israel and collective solidarity with Palestine. In addition to their focus on direct pro-Palestine action at Columbia, SJP circulates fundraisers and shares educational information and on-the-ground videos from Gaza. SJP and JVP were suspended as University clubs in November 2023 due to holding protests unauthorized by the University.
Students Supporting Israel (SSI): Students Supporting Israel (SSI) is a Zionist, pro-Israel advocacy movement. Columbia’s SSI chapter is the principal pro-Israel group on campus, fighting mainly for the legitimization of Israel as a part of an indigenous rights movement and for the release of hostages held by Hamas. The organization coordinates protests and counter-protests and holds pro-Israel speaking events. SSI’s Linktree includes an antisemitism reporting form, Columbia discrimination and harassment reporting form, and various pro-Israel lobbying resources.
Other groups:
- Columbia University Alumni For Palestine and Barnard Alumni for Palestine: Alumni groups supporting pro-Palestine demands at Columbia. Many engaged in pledging to rescind donations to the University until CUAD’s demands are met. These groups also work on educating alumni about the situation at the University.
- Columbia University Medical Center for Palestine, Columbia Social Workers for Palestine, etc: Various pro-Palestine groups of Columbia graduate schools.
- Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM): This pro-Palestine grassroots movement is not affiliated with Columbia. However, affiliates of this organization have often protested outside of Columbia gates in support of Columbia-affiliated protesters and the general student movement for a free Palestine. Rhetoric shared by the PYM is not necessarily shared by CUAD or SJP.
- Within Our Lifetime (WOL): Another non-affiliated pro-Palestine and anti-Zionist community organization. Involved with many off-campus protests near Columbia, as is the PYM.
III. History Of Protests And The University’s Responses: October 2023 – August 2024
October 2023
October 9:
Columbia SJP and JVP published an open letter stating that October 7 was “an unprecedented historic moment for the Palestinians of Gaza,” expressing “full solidarity with Palestinian resistance against over 75 years of Israeli settler-colonialism and apartheid.” The letter called on the University to correct its previous emails, citing their lack of naming Palestinian suffering. It also demanded that Columbia divest and cease ties with Tel Aviv University.
SSI released a petition calling President Shafik to “stand with the Jewish community.” President Shafik published a statement, writing that she was “devastated by the horrific attack on Israel… and the ensuing violence.”
October 10:
President Rosenbury published a statement, writing that she “extend[ed her] deepest condolences to all who are mourning the loss of friends, family members, or colleagues in Israel and Gaza.” She stated that Barnard “reject[s] antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of hate, both in intent and effect.”
SSI held a “community gathering” to support Israel and condemn Hamas. SSI leadership and IDF veterans gave speeches.
October 12:
Students participated in a “Call to Action for Palestine” protest, organized by SJP in tandem with JVP, CU Turath (the Arab Students Association), Columbia Muslim Students Association (MSA), Columbia Pakistani Association (PSA), and Barnard-Columbia Abolition Collective. Students demonstrated for the same demands published in the October 9 open letter. In anticipation of the protest, SJP and JVP asked demonstrators to remain peaceful and not engage with counter-protesters.
SSI organized a “silent protest” to be held in the same location and time “in protest of the bloodshed of the people of Israel.”
Campus radio station WKCR recorded a clip of an individual who claimed to be a Columbia employee who stated “I hope every one of these people dies,” referring to the pro-Palestinian protesters.
October 18
President Shafik published a statement writing that “many… are suffering great distress over the terror attacks on Israel and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.” She addressed individual student calls for personal security, stating that the University had increased Public Safety presence and walking escort availability. She stated that the administration was also working with the NYPD and “outside security firms.” Shafik also denounced doxing and “language that vilifies, threatens, or stereotypes entire groups of people,” referring to “antisemitism, Islamophobia, bigotry against Palestinians and Israelis, and various other forms of hate.”
October 25
Students participated in the National Walkout for Gaza, organized at Columbia by SJP, JVP, and other organizations. Speakers called for SJP’s demands and denounced President Shafik’s latest email, stating that it did not mention Palestine by name. A few pro-Israel counter-protesters were also present.
Doxing trucks funded by conservative watchdog organization Accuracy in Media were also spotted circling campus, bearing the faces and names of various pro-Palestine students under the words “Columbia’s Leading Antisemites.” In response, individuals began covering the trucks with sheets, umbrellas, and balloons to protect student anonymity.
Later that evening, a protest titled “End Jew-Hatred On Campus” occurred outside Columbia gates.
October 26
Barnard Dean Leslie Grinage and Senior Vice President Sarah Gillman sent an email denouncing doxing, encouraging doxed students to file a report with the NYPD.
October 28
President Rosenbury sent an email stating that she was “appalled and saddened to see antisemitism and anti-Zionism” and “anti-Palestinian and anti-Muslim rhetoric” on campus. She announced various changes Barnard had made, including increasing safety officers on campus, beginning daily talks with the NYPD, meeting to revise policies and learn to prevent hate speech, and strengthening Office of Nondiscrimination and Title IX resources. Rosenbury also announced a dialogue program that would be available for students.
November 2023
November 1
Presidents Shafik, Rosenbury, and Bailey (Teachers College) announced the Task Force on Antisemitism, aimed to address Jewish-directed hate on campus. The Task Force would be led by SIPA Professor Ester Fuchs, Journalism Dean Nicholas Lemann, and Law School Dean David Schizer.
November 9
Two demonstrations occurred on College Walk, one in support of Palestine and another in support of Israel.
November 10
SJP and JVP were suspended for the remainder of the Fall 2023 semester due to violation of University campus event policy, citing the unauthorized protest the previous day. In response, SJP and JVP stated this was a “clear attempt by the university to restrict the free speech of their students.”
November 13
An open letter composed of Zionist, anti-Zionist, and neutral students began to circulate condemning the suspensions of SJP and JVP. The letter called for the University to reinstate SJP and JVP and claimed the University had been “conflat[ing]” SJP and JVP’s pro-Palestine solidarity with antisemitism. Students called for the University to “ensure that any working definitions of antisemitism make space for and protect legitimate criticism of Israel and Zionism.”
November 14
The Palestinian Student Union (Dar) led a protest in support of Palestine and against the suspension of SJP and JVP.
November 15
Columbia faculty members held a protest in solidarity with SJP and JVP after their suspensions. Faculty demanded the University affirm its commitment to free speech and the right to assembly, prevent censorship of student and faculty groups, prevent the “equat[ion]” of “critiques of Israeli state policies and Zionist political ideology… with antisemitism,” and more. Counter-protesters were also present.
Shortly after the faculty demonstration, a city-wide protest in solidarity with SJP and JVP took place outside of campus gates, organized by non-affiliated pro-Palestine organization Within Our Lifetime (WOL).
November 17
Various city and state elected officials penned a letter to President Shafik in support of reinstating SJP and JVP.
November 20
Columbia alumni staged a “denouncement ceremony” and protest outside of campus gates, symbolically “un-graduating” from the University in protest of the suspension of SJP and JVP.
December 2023
December 19
The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) penned a letter to Barnard, stating College policies had restricted political expression on departmental websites and violated the principle of academic freedom. This comes in response to an October 20 statement in support of Palestine published on the Barnard Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Department (WGSS) website, which was removed due to it allegedly violating the Acceptable Use Policy, which states IT users cannot use College resources to “conduct political activity.” As of November 3, the College stated that departmental websites would now need to be approved by the Office of the Provost. The NYCLU attested that political rhetoric is a part of academic discourse and that the beliefs of faculty members and students are separate from those of the College.
Throughout December
Pro-Palestine organizers planned to instate a tuition strike in order to pressure the University into listening to protesters’ demands of financial and academic divestment from Israel. CU Tuition Strike’s goal was to have 1,000 pledges to strike tuition, around 10% of the tuition-paying student body, which they stated would impose a financial strain on the University. Bwog interviewed one of the main organizers regarding plans and goals for the strike.
January 2024
January 19
CUAD, the newly active coalition of Pro-Palestine student groups, held a protest in support of Palestine, Yemen, and the tuition strike. Counter-protesters were present, some of which reportedly sprayed a foul-smelling chemical agent on pro-Palestine protesters.
January 22
CU Tuition Strike organizers announced that they would not move forward with the strike due to a vote from pledges, ultimately not reaching the 1,000 person benchmark. Around 300 had planned to strike while over 1,200 pledged to withhold donations moving forward.
January 23
Conversations about the report of chemical spraying continued. Based on reports from SJP and JVP, several students reported hospitalization due to the spraying, with many more seeking other forms of medical attention. A few days after the spraying, University officials responded encouraging victims to seek medical help and file reports, stating that Columbia would investigate. Columbia Interim Provost Dennis Mitchell stated that the alleged perpetrators were banned from campus.
January 24
Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD) held a protest in response to the reported chemical spraying.
February 2024
February 2
Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD) and the community organization Within Our Lifetime (WOL) held a protest outside of campus gates in support of Palestine and those reportedly sprayed at the January 19 protest. This took place at the same time as the inauguration of Barnard President Rosenbury, which also received demonstrators.
February 8
Students held a walkout and art build in support of Palestine.
February 13
Students organized a protest in support of Palestinians displaced in Rafah, targeted by Israeli airstrikes. Counter-protesters followed.
February 14
Students Supporting Israel (SSI) led a protest in support of Israel and the “right [Jewish people] have to exist.” Columbia Business School professor and pro-Israel campus figurehead Shai Davidai, who according to President Shafik has over 50 harassment complaints filed against him, spoke at the demonstration.
February 20
Barnard introduced a new campus demonstration policy, delineating a designated time, place, and manner for demonstrations (including protests and vigils). Students were required to submit an intent to demonstrate at least two working days before the event.
February 21
Student performances for the annual Glass House Rocks event were canceled as a part of a Columbia event boycott, as called upon by CUAD.
February 23
The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) demanded that Columbia reinstate SJP and JVP by March 1, planning to sue if Columbia did not comply. The NYCLU cited the right to free speech, stating the University “violated its own policies in order to punish” the organizations.
The same day, Barnard banned personal dormitory door decorations, stating that “some may have the unintended effect of isolating those who have different views and beliefs.”
February 27
Barnard Residential Assistants attempted to deliver a letter to Barnard Dean Grinage in opposition to the dorm door decoration ban. They were told that Dean Grinage was not in the office and could not accept the letter, which argued that banning decorations diminishes a sense of community and trust in the College. “How are Barnard students meant to be ‘bold’ in silence,” the letter stated, calling on the College to revoke the policy.
March 2024
March 3
The Columbia College Student Council (CCSC) passed a resolution to boycott companies supporting Israel, which passed with 29 affirmations, 2 oppositions, and 4 abtains. CCSC also voted to introduce a referendum to students regarding the University’s academic and financial divestment from Israel. Barnard and General Studies soon followed suit in introducing their own divestment referendums.
March 4
The Task Force on Antisemitism released its first report, calling for increased enforcement of protest policies and consequences for their violations. The report specifically mentioned time, place, and manner restrictions.
March 7
The Transport Workers Union of America (TWU), which represents Barnard Public Safety and Facilities staff members, published a letter calling on Barnard President Rosenbury to denounce Islamophobic comments reportedly made by Barnard CARES Associate Director Rosemarie Ronde. The letter claimed that on November 15, 2023, Ronde allegedly told security officers they could ask students wearing religious head coverings to remove them, stating, “If a student could remove her hijab to take her ID photo, why couldn’t she do the same when showing her ID at the main gates?” These comments were also condemned by CUAD and the Muslim Students Association.
March 9-11
Audio recordings of President Shafik, President Rosenbury, and Vice President Rosberg discussing recent protests were released by SJP. Shafik was recorded saying, “If someone uses the n-word, that’s considered unacceptable. But yet you’re allowed to say things that threaten [the Jewish community], right?” In another recording, when a student asked Rosenbury “What about the [Israeli] occupation [of Palestine] for 75 years?” Rosenbury responded, “That’s right, but it started on October 7.” Rosberg was recorded stating, “I could imagine… that an Israeli student being told that their state is an apartheid state, a racist state committing genocide, seems to them like an incitement of violence against them.”
March 11
The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) and Palestine Legal filed a lawsuit against Columbia for the suspensions of SJP and JVP.
April 2024
April 3
Six Columbia students were reportedly suspended and evicted from student housing due to their involvement in a Palestinian Solidarity Month event that President Shafik claimed “featured speakers who are known to support terrorism and promote violence.” After this event, titled “Resistance 101,” was barred twice from occurring, it still occurred in a Columbia queer residential community. According to Palestinian Solidarity Month organizers, all but one of the house’s residents were contacted and “threatened with immediate disciplinary action” in the hours after the event was held. At least two of these suspensions were eventually lifted.
April 4
Students participated in a protest in support of Palestine, specifically the recent siege of Al-Shifa Hospital. Counter-protesters gathered near the main protest.
April 17
At 4 am, students constructed a “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” on East Butler Lawn, protesting the University’s response to pro-Palestine protesters. Students occupying the lawn, covered with tents and posters, demanded academic and financial divestment, an end to policing on campus, and more. Demonstrations continued throughout the day around the Encampment and on 116th and Broadway. Barnard students standing on the lawn were told to leave the area by 9 pm or else face suspension.
At 10:15 am, President Minouche Shafik, Board of Trustees Co-Chairs Claire Shipman and David Greenwald, and Task Force on Antisemitism Co-Chair David Schizer testified before Congress in a hearing titled “Columbia in Crisis: Columbia University’s Response to Antisemitism.” Shafik, Shipman, Greenwald, and Schizer were asked questions by members of Congress for three hours. Some criticized the University’s handling of antisemitism, while others were concerned about why just antisemitism, as opposed to other forms of discrimination, was receiving special scrutiny.
April 18
The Gaza Solidarity Encampment survived throughout the night as a few students were issued suspensions and evicted from campus housing. Around 1 pm, NYPD officers entered the Encampment, making arrests of over 100 protesters present on the lawns. Hundreds of students flooded the area, chanting in support of the students. Shafik stated that she authorized the NYPD to arrest these students due to their violations of “a long list of rules and policies.” Specific charges were for trespassing.
After the arrests were made and Public Safety and the NYPD began removing tents, a large group of students occupied West Butler Lawn. Barnard students who were suspended were given 15 minutes to retrieve their items from their dorms. Arrested students were released in the late evening, while protests against their arrests occurred late into the night on Broadway, Amsterdam, and the campus lawns.
Several student organizations began posting statements condemning the arrests of students. Union Theological Seminary, an affiliate college of Columbia, also condemned the student arrests.
April 19
The new West Butler Lawn Encampment survived the night. According to Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine, campus security told demonstrators they could stay on the lawn as long as they didn’t set up tents. Public Safety began returning student belongings confiscated from the original East Butler Lawn Encampment; participating students were allegedly identified and suspended through this process.
The New York Civil Liberties Union condemned the University’s authorization of the student arrests. Several additional student organizations continued to release condemnation statements. The Barnard and Columbia chapters of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) stated that Shafik and her administration had “seriously violated” academic freedom and shared governance principles. They also claimed, along with University Student Senators, that Shafik’s decision to call in the NYPD violated Section 444 of the University Statutes, which requires consultation with the University Senate executive committee.
Over 50 Barnard students were suspended at this point. Protests in opposition to student arrests continued on and off campus all day. A Shabbat service was held on West Butler Lawn. Barnard’s Greek Games were canceled.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams held a press conference with the NYPD regarding the student arrests and protests. He stated, “Students have a right to free speech, but do not have the right to violate university policies and disrupt learning on campus.” The NYPD confirmed the arrests were due to trespassing after they had been suspended. While the University had characterized the protests as a “clear and present danger,” the NYPD confirmed that this “was not [their] words, it was [Columbia’s] words.”
April 20
Other colleges began setting up their own encampments. Protests continued on and off of Columbia’s campus, monitored by NYPD officers in riot gear. Student organizations continued issuing condemnation statements, all while the Encampment still stood, featuring speeches and student dance performances. Most campus gates were closed at this point with valid CUID access only, including those at 116th and Broadway.
Campus radio WKCR was nearly shut down by Public Safety due to Lerner Hall being evacuated, which had reportedly never happened in their history. WKCR was eventually allowed to continue their reporting.
Students wearing keffiyehs were reportedly physically and verbally attacked at a General Studies gala. They were allegedly cursed at, punched, pushed, flipped off, and had their keffiyehs ripped off.
April 21
The Encampment and surrounding protests continued. CUAD urged all participating protesters to observe their community guidelines, prioritizing peace and safety following an incident when a protester poured water on a counter-protester. The Encampment implemented community assemblies in order to make decisions as a group. While the Journalism School was previously allowed to sign credentialed media onto campus, they were now allegedly prohibited from doing so.
A speaker at the Encampment stated that the administration would now allow students to bring tents onto the lawn; tents were brought onto the lawns soon after. Several hours later, a University spokesperson stated that individuals setting up tents were not permitted to do so and were subject to disciplinary action.
Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY), one of the congressmembers who heavily questioned the administration during the April 17 hearing, called for President Shafik to resign due to putting “Jewish students’ safety at risk.” The White House and Mayor Eric Adams released statements condemning antisemitism on Columbia’s campus.
At an evening assembly, an Encampment speaker stated that organizers had been in “serious negotiations” with the University regarding divestment and amnesty of disciplined students.
Just after 1 am, President Shafik announced all classes would be virtual for the day. Barnard followed suit.
Shai Davidai attempted to enter campus, planning to see the Encampment. His ID card prevented him from entering.
Virginia Foxx (R-NC), who led the April 17 congressional hearing, called on Columbia administrators to “restore order and safety without further delay.” Governor Kathy Hochul visited Columbia to meet with Shafik and law enforcement to discuss state safety. Various briefings and press conferences were held by the NYPD, Sid Rosenberg, and congresspeople.
The results of the Columbia College Divestment Referendum came back, with the resolutions on financial and academic divestment all passing. The Barnard divestment referendum opened.
The Barnard and Columbia chapters of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) submitted a Resolution of Censure against President Shafik, the General Counsel, Chief Operating Officer Cas Holloway, and Board of Trustees Co-Chairs Claire Shipman and David Greenwald.
Student workers and faculty members staged a walkout and demonstration in support of suspended students. A group of faculty members then marched to Barnard’s campus and chanted “Talk to us!” in front of President Rosenbury’s door, referring to her lack of statement on the events of the past several days.
Later that evening, President Rosenbury released her first statement, addressing the protests and suspensions, but not the arrests. Rosenbury discussed offers to lift interim suspensions if students agreed to guidelines within a probationary period. Barnard and Columbia established new teaching guidelines for the remainder of the semester, stating that all classes on the Morningside campus should be hybrid moving forward.
Various calls to violence were recorded occurring on 116th and Broadway, outside of campus gates, including the phrase, “Hamas, we love you. We support your rockets too!”
Pro-Israel counter-protesters entered the Encampment and were seen shaking hands with a member of the Encampment.
University spokesperson Ben Chang confirmed that negotiations between Encampment organizers and University officials were underway. Meanwhile, arrested and suspended students sent a letter to faculty members asking that they “halt the functioning of the University” by taking labor actions until demands were met.
Rumors began to spread regarding the potentiality of the University calling in the National Guard to end protests. Bwog reached out to the University; a spokesperson responded that the University had no comment. Governor Hochul stated that she did not think the National Guard was necessary. In the evening, President Shafik announced plans to clear the Encampment, stating that negotiations had a deadline of midnight.
In the wake of Shafik’s announcement and rumors regarding the National Guard, protesters prepared for a potential police sweep. Encampment organizers began giving out green (zero risk), yellow (willing to support), and red (willing to risk arrest) role assignments. A police sweep was believed to be very likely that evening. At around 11:40 pm, students began to disassemble tents on West Butler Lawn.
At midnight, organizers announced that the negotiation deadline was extended to 8 am. Bwog reached out to the University for comment, who soon after told us they had no comment. At around 12:45 am, protesters began moving items back onto the lawn as organizers apologized for confusion, stating there was “no sweep.” Meanwhile, protests were occuring outside campus gates, with NYPD officers in riot gear present, along with the NYPD Strategic Response Group (SRG).
Just before 2 am, SJP claimed that Columbia did threaten to deploy the National Guard, reportedly causing student negotiators to leave talks. However, at around 3 am, a University spokesperson told Bwog that “important progress” was being made in negotiations, which were to continue for the next 48 hours. According to the spokesperson, the organizers agreed to remove a “significant number of tents,” remove non-affiliated demonstrators from the lawns, and adhere to fire department safety requirements.
In the morning, Provost Olinto shared new final exam guidelines, stating that all assessments must have a remote option. Columbia School of Engineering instituted new academic policies for the remainder of the semester.
University faculty from around the world began an “academic and cultural boycott” of Columbia and Barnard until student suspensions were revoked and police presence was removed. The Columbia Board of Trustees released a statement in support of President Shafik.
House Speaker Mike Johnson gave a press conference on Columbia’s campus along with other Republican elected officials, shortly after meeting with President Shafik. Officials called on Shafik to resign, alleged the hybrid model was the administration’s way of discriminating against Jewish students, and stated that there have been congressional talks about cutting federal funding for Columbia.
Encampment organizers held a press conference, where credentialed members of the press were allowed to visit campus for a short period of time. Organizers stated that they “won” a concession from the University after Columbia allegedly agreed not to deploy the NYPD or the National Guard in order to continue negotiations. Nonetheless, they stated that Columbia had “continue[d] to make threats… antithetical to good faith negotiations.” In a media briefing, spokesperson Ben Chang stated that National Guard rumors were “baseless” and “unsubstantiated.”
The Columbia chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) released a statement denouncing “any interference by members of Congress” on University governance and academic freedom. SJP announced that students had filed a civil rights complaint against Columbia, citing student arrests and “6+ months of discrimination on campus.”
Barnard updated Spring 2024 academic policies, accommodating for remote exams and Pass/D/Fail policy changes.
A video resurfaced of CUAD spokesperson Khymani James stating, “Zionists don’t deserve to live [in the] same way we’re very comfortable accepting that Nazis don’t deserve to live.”
In the evening, a city-wide protest titled “United for Israel” began on Broadway and Amsterdam. Hundreds of protesters flooded the streets. Pro-Palestine counter-protesters were also present.
CUAD spokesperson Khymani James released an apology for the video that resurfaced the previous day, stating, “What I said was wrong. Every member or our community deserves to feel safe without qualification.” The White House condemned James’s statements. CUAD stated that James’s words “do not reflect his views, our values, nor the encampment’s community agreements.” A University spokesperson confirmed to Bwog that James was banned from campus.
The New York Hostage and Missing Families Forum held a press conference and demonstration in front of Columbia gates. Encampment organizers also held a press conference.
The University Senate passed a resolution stating that the University had “significantly undermine[d] the principles of academic freedom. They cited that the April 18 student arrests had “raised serious concerns about the administration’s request for shared governance and transparency,” as the University Senate Executive Committee did not approve the NYPD’s arrival. The resolution passed with 62 votes in favor, 14 in opposition, and three abstains.
SJP and CUAD denounced “opportunists” who had visited the Encampment, referencing political figures “unwilling to condemn Israel’s genocide.” This came shortly after Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Jill Stein, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), and Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) had visited the Encampment. SJP and CUAD later stated that at a Senior Boat Cruise the previous night, several “visibly Muslim, BIPOC, and Arab students had alcoholic drinks poured on their heads, clothes, and belongings.”
President Shafik stated that it would be “counterproductive” and “inflaming” to bring the NYPD back again. A Barnard spokesperson told Bwog that “nearly all” Barnard students placed on interim suspension after the April 18 arrests had been given restored access to residence halls, dining, and in-person classes. Columbia College and General Studies students were given more lenient Pass/D/Fail policies.
At an evening Encampment general assembly meeting, organizers stated that the University wanted divestment conversations to move through the Advisory Committee on Socially Responsible Investing (ACSRI), a proposal process that would take around three months. After ACSRI evaluates proposals, they provide recommendations to the Board of Trustees. Organizers stated this “isn’t something that’s acceptable.”
The Barnard College chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) passed a 102-0 vote of no confidence against Barnard President Laura Rosenbury, citing “lack of care for students,” “ignoring shared governance,” and “repeated violations of academic freedom and free expression,” among others.
CUAD claimed that the University was considering “a complete lockdown of campus,” including shutting down dorms and evicting students. A University spokesperson stated that there was no truth to these claims.
At an evening Encampment general assembly meeting, organizers provided more negotiation updates. They stated that the University proposed providing scholarships for Gazan students but would “rather talk about… scholarships about resilience funds for the Middle East than… talk about divestment and disclosure.” They claimed that the administration was only willing to provide direct investment disclosure and did not want full amnesty for students. Organizers stated that NYPD presence on campus was “off the table” and clarified that they had never “demanded Shafik’s resignation.”
SJP and CUAD posted announcements summarizing the previous night’s assembly discussions on Instagram. They also stated that the University had asked students demonstrating in the Encampment to “self-identify and to attest to abiding by university rules in the future.”
President Shafik announced that negotiations with Encampment organizers had ended, stating that all protesters must leave the Encampment by 2 pm and self-identify, lest face suspension. Shafik stated that the University would not divest but that it would begin an expedited divestment proposal process, publish direct investment holdings, start a faculty committee on academic freedom and barriers to academic programs and global centers, and invest in health and education in Gaza. In a press conference later that day, a CUAD negotiator stated that these offers were “nothing more than bribery.”
The University began distributing notices to protesting students inside the Encampment, asking participants to self-identify and agree to be on disciplinary probation until June 30, 2025 or the date of their degree conferral, whichever was earlier. The notice stated that many protesters were already identified and that those who did not leave the Encampment by 2 pm and sign the notice would be suspended, rendering them unable to live in dorms or finish the semester. Suspended seniors would be ineligible for graduation.
In response to the notices, the Encampment demonstrators voted to remain in the Encampment. Protests began on and off campus as dozens of faculty members formed a blockade around the Encampment entrance. The Barnard Student Government Association (SGA) announced the results of its divestment referendum. Participating students overwhelmingly voted in favor of academic and financial divestment from Israel.
A group of 21 Democratic congressmembers addressed a statement to the Board of Trustees asking them to act against “anti-Israel, anti-Jewish activists on campus” or resign. Meanwhile, CUAD called for the resignation of General Studies Dean Lisa Rosen-Metsch, claiming that she “discriminates on the basis of race, national origin, and religion,” citing cases of her alleged refusal to meet with Arab students assaulted at the GS Gala or January protest.
Just after midnight, a large protest began on campus. Demonstrators occupied Lewisohn Lawn in addition to West Butler Lawn, while hundreds of others picketed around East and West Butler Lawns.
Around 12:45 am, a group of autonomous protesters occupied Hamilton Hall, breaking the windows and barricading the doors. Two Facilities members were briefly shut inside the building before a protester opened and resealed the barricade, allowing them to exit along with a group of people who were studying inside. Demonstrators began forming multiple rows of human chains in front of both entrances to Hamilton Hall. Nearby picnic tables and trash cans were also constructed and zip-tied as further barricades. Counter-protesters entered the barricade and appeared to be removed by demonstrators.
Hamilton Hall was previously occupied in 1968, 1972, 1985, 1992, and 1996. In 1985, students protested against the University’s investment in companies profiting from South African apartheid.
Demonstrators unfurled flags and banners from windows, one of which read “Hind’s Hall.” A demonstrator announced that they had renamed Hamilton Hall to “Hind’s Hall,” in honor of six-year old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab, who was killed by the IDF in January. “We will not leave until Columbia meets every one of our demands,” protesters chanted.
Meanwhile, the NYPD were present outside of campus gates. They did not enter campus. By around 4 am, the crowd of protesters mostly dispersed from campus. Many demonstrators spent the night as part of the human barricade.
Shortly before 5 am, Public Safety sent a message advising Columbia affiliates not to come to the Morningside campus unless necessary. At around 6:30 am, the Emergency Management Operations Team announced that Morningside campus access would be limited to students living in dorm buildings within campus gates and employees who “provide essential services to campus buildings, labs, and residential student life.” Only one main gate was left open and all libraries and academic buildings were closed. Barnard stated that their campus would be BCID only and would prohibit guests from entering any residence halls.
As dining halls were now closed for most students, Columbia Dining started depositing $80 in Flex Dollars into students’ accounts to use for off-campus dining. Student councils began using funds to hold dinners off campus, urging the University to incorporate more academic and dining accommodations.
The White House denounced the occupation of Hamilton Hall, and President Biden condemned the term “intifada.” University spokesperson Ben Chang stated that Hamilton occupiers would face expulsion. He said that the University was “exploring options to restore safety” to the University. New York City Mayor Eric Adams held a press conference, where he urged students to leave the area and claimed that “outside agitator[s] with a history of escalating situation[s]” had “attempt[ed] to hijack” Columbia protests.
Throughout the day, protests occurred off campus. CUAD called for individuals to attend a protest in front of Hamilton Hall; numbers were low due to the small amount of individuals living on campus.
Meanwhile, Barnard faculty members voted no confidence in President Rosenbury with 77% in favor. The Executive Board of Barnard Student Government Association (SGA) sent an open letter to Barnard students and administrators expressing support of the occupation of Hamilton Hall, criticizing the administration, and calling for a list of demands.
At around 6 pm, the NYPD began constructing barricades within a 10 block diameter of campus and closed the 116th Street subway station. Protests continued as the SRG and officers in riot gear arrived. At 8:20 pm, the Emergency Management Operations Team told students to shelter in place or else face potential disciplinary action.
Just after 9 pm, hundreds of NYPD officers arrived on campus and arrested the remaining individuals forming the human chains in front of Hamilton’s entrances. Other officers entered Hamilton Hall from a street-facing window using a crane. Bwog and other press were asked to leave the area. Correctional buses left campus around 9:45 pm; the Encampment began to be disassembled around 11:45 pm.
In a letter sent from Shafik to the NYPD asking for officers to arrest students, she asked that the NYPD maintain presence on campus “through at least May 17th” to “maintain order and ensure encampments are not reestablished.”
May 2024
President Shafik emailed the Columbia community, thanking the NYPD for their “professionalism” and stating hopes that Columbia will “heal” together. Meanwhile, a video circulated of a student who was thrown down the Hamilton Hall steps by the NYPD, as another student claimed that the “NYPD forcibly removed hijabs from multiple Muslim Columbia students in jail.” The NYPD released a promotional video of how they executed the previous night’s arrests.
A protest took place on 116th and Amsterdam, led by faculty members and graduate students, calling for the release of students arrested the previous evening. CUAD condemned the use of the NYPD to arrest students and stated that “at least one student was hospitalized due to injuries from the NYPD.” They called on protesters worldwide to further escalate and stated that faculty members should go on strike.
Provost Olinto announced that she had advised instructors to make finals remote and provide further accommodations. Barnard Dean Grinage announced that all Barnard final exams and assessments would be fully remote. Many campus organizations, such as the Columbia College and Engineering Student Councils, strongly called for further academic accommodations for students, referring to the previous night as “the most traumatic event in Columbia’s recent history.”
University spokesperson Ben Chang stated that Hamilton Hall was currently an active crime scene and announced that the NYPD had reported a total of 282 arrests the previous night, with 109 affiliated with Columbia. Mayor Eric Adams held a press conference, reiterating his claim that the Hamilton Hall occupation was led by “external actors.”
May 2
President Rosenbury emailed the Barnard community for the first time since the April 30 arrests, stating that she was “aware of the added stress” caused by “events on Columbia’s campus.”
Palestine Legal announced the federal Office for Civil Rights, a section of the Department of Education, would begin an investigation of Columbia for anti-Palestinian racism. The Columbia chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) released a strong condemnation of the use of the NYPD to arrest students on April 30, stating that the administration bypassed consultation with the University Senate.
The organization Documenting Jew Hatred on Campus called for University affiliates to oppose Columbia and Barnard’s accreditation statuses by filing a complaint online.
Bodycam footage from the NYPD sweep on Hamilton Hall was released. Officers were seen using a stun grenade. Although not shown on the published video, a spokesperson from the office of Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg confirmed that an NYPD officer fired a gun in Hamilton Hall. The gun was not aimed at any individuals and did not cause injuries.
At midnight, Columbia’s primal scream, a semesterly campus-wide scream held on the midnight before the first day of finals, was held. The scream, which typically lasts a few minutes, evolved into a spontaneous protest outside of the President’s House on 116th and Morningside Drive. This semester, the primal scream ended at around 12:55 am.
Morningside campus access was extended to faculty based at the Morningside campus.
Over 1,700 individuals pledged to withhold all financial, programmatic, and academic support of Columbia University” until their demands, such as divestment from Israel, the removal of President Shafik, and amnesty for students, were met. At the time, over $74 million in financial contributions were expected to be at risk.
In celebration of the vote of no confidence against President Rosenbury, many Barnard students gathered for a picnic on campus, holding posters in support of the vote. The General Studies Student Council voted not to move forward a divestment referendum.
The University Senate held a plenary meeting where they discussed launching a task force into the administration, a potential vote of no confidence against President Shafik, and campus safety. Meanwhile, President Shafik addressed the student body in a video statement, where she said protesters “crossed a new line” when they occupied Hamilton Hall.
May 4
Another impromptu primal scream in front of the President’s House occurred at midnight.
The Columbia College Student Council (CCSC) released an op ed statement, passed 22-4-2, claiming that the administration had violated shared governance. They stated that the April 30 NYPD sweep “terrified, sickened, and traumatized” students and referred to the Task Force on Antisemitism as inefficient.
May 5
Various Columbia and Barnard alumni announced a boycott of University reunions, planning to create an alternate event with ticket sales being donated to aid in Palestine.
May 6
Columbia announced the cancellation of Commencement, the all-school graduation ceremony that typically takes place on campus. Smaller Class Day ceremonies for individual colleges would be moved to Baker Athletics Complex. NBC News cited “security concerns” as the impetus for this decision. A few days before, the Office of the President stated that “offices across Columbia are committed to ensuring that all ceremonies run smoothly.”
The Engineering Student Council (ESC) released their divestment referendum. This comes after a statement by SEAS Apartheid Divest that claimed ESC had “failed the student body” by not releasing a divestment referendum at that point.
Various protests occurred off campus in support of Palestine and expelled students. The Independent Student Workers of Columbia, which is not affiliated with any labor union, called on individuals to withhold labor in a “sickout” until the University “extends full amnesty for disciplined students” and removes the NYPD. Barnard, Columbia College, and SEAS announced extended Pass/D/Fail academic accommodations.
May 7
CUAD organized picket protests in front of the homes of Barnard Trustee Francine LeFrak and Columbia Board of Trustees members David Greenwald and Abigail Black Elbaum, as well as the office of Columbia Trustee Jeh Johnson, opposing the individuals’ links to organizations supporting or financing Israel.
Four Black student organizations—the Barnard Organization of Soul and Solidarity (BOSS), Columbia Black Students’ Organization (BSO), Columbia Caribbean Students’ Association (CSA), and the Columbia African Students’ Association (ASA)—released a statement condemning the recent use of the NYPD to arrest protesters, expressing support with the Encampment, urging divestment and amnesty, and calling for the resignations of Shafik and Rosenbury.
May 8
The 2024 Barnard Reunion was canceled due to recent events.
The University Senate held a plenary meeting, where they unanimously passed a motion calling for “temporary suspension” of disciplinary processes against student protesters.
A group of over 600 Jewish students published an open letter, affirming their support for Israel and Zionism and denouncing antisemitism. The letter claimed that anti-Zionist Jewish students “tokenize themselves” and “delegitimize [their] lived experiences of antisemitism.”
The Columbia chapter of the American Association of University Professors planned to introduce a vote of no confidence resolution against President Shafik. The vote would be held amongst Arts and Sciences faculty. The resolution attested that Shafik violated academic freedom and shared governance in an “unprecedented assault on students’ rights.”
May 9
Union Theological Seminary (UTS), an affiliate college of Columbia with a separate endowment, announced plans to divest from businesses that profit from Israel’s military actions. UTS has an existing socially responsible investment screener which already bars “investments in armaments, weapons, and defense manufacturers, as well as companies that participate in human rights violations,” according to the UTS Board of Trustees.
May 10–16
On May 10, the Morningside campus was made accessible to all Columbia Morningside campus graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, and staff. Barnard, Teachers College, CUIMC, and Manhattanville-based students would still be restricted. On May 11, Barnard Dean Grinage announced that graduating Barnard seniors would have access to Columbia’s campus.
Protests and small demonstrations occurred at various Columbia ceremonies intended to celebrate student graduations. Various graduates walked across the stage holding signs or emblems in support of Palestine, while several student speakers expressed support of Palestine as well. SJP attested that at Barnard’s Class Day, they “received multiple reports of Zionist parents of Barnard students screaming explicit rape threats and death threats at a Barnard student who spoke about Palestinian children killed in the genocide.”
After graduation, various recent Barnard graduates reported that they were unable to access Barnard’s campus. A Barnard spokesperson told Bwog, “Once the spring term ends with the conclusion of all academic activities and dorm move out, only students who are here for summer study or an approved reason are able to access campus.”
On May 16, a city-wide People’s Graduation occurred at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine to celebrate “students who have been excluded from campus for peacefully protesting Israel’s genocide in Gaza.”
The same day, the Barnard and Columbia chapters of the American Association of University Professors announced that the Faculty of Arts and Sciences had voted no confidence in Columbia President Minouche Shafik with 65% in support.
May 24
The pro-Palestine Independent Student Workers sickout ended with over 6,000 grades withheld over 45 departments.
May 31
A group of autonomous Palestinian students supported by CUAD launched a new Encampment amidst the 2024 Columbia Reunion, using the event tents set up by the University on West Butler Lawn. This was referred to as the first Revolt for Rafah installation.
June 2024
June 2
Columbia SJP announced that this Encampment installation was complete, achieving its goal of disrupting the 2024 Columbia Reunion. They stated that more installations would be constructed throughout the summer. As of August 18, 2024, no more installations have occurred.
June 4
A Columbia student reached a settlement with the University to enforce 24/7 safety escorts and accommodations, which will be available through “at least” December 31, 2024.
June 17
Morningside campus access was reopened to all individuals, including those without a CUID, between the hours of 7 am and 5 pm.
June 20
Charges were dropped for 31 individuals out of the 46 occupying Hamilton Hall due to their lack of prior criminal records and lack of evidence of harm or property damage. Out of the remaining 15, 14 continued to face charges with the offer of potential for full dismissal after some time. All 14, 12 of whom were not Columbia students or staff, refused that offer.
June 22
Columbia deans Susan Chang-Kim, Cristen Kromm, and Matthew Patashnick were placed on administrative leave after May 31 text exchanges during an antisemitism panel were leaked. Columbia College Dean Josef Sorett, who also participated in the exchanges, was not placed on leave but was expected to cooperate with the investigation of the messages.
July 2024
July 8
President Shafik and Provost Olinto announced that Deans Chang-Kim, Kromm, and Patashnick had been removed from their roles at Columbia. Shafik stated that their behavior “disturbingly touched on antisemitic tropes” whether “intended as such or not.” Dean Sorett still maintains his role. Provost Olinto outlined a new anti-discrimination training for faculty, staff, and students.
July 11
Different color-coded levels of campus access restrictions were announced.
- Green status: Campus open to everyone, CUID required for building access. All access points open.
- Yellow status: Campus open to everyone, CUID required for building access. Restricted access points open.
- Orange status: Campus open to CUID holders only and pre-registered guests. Restricted access points open.
- Red status: Campus open to restricted CUID holders, including those living on campus and essential staff. No guests allowed. Restricted access points open.
Beginning July 11, campus was made accessible to anybody from 7 am to 7 pm each day in Yellow status. Campus would be on an Orange status from 7 pm to 7 am.
August 2024
August 8
Columbia Chief Operating Officer Cas Holloway’s home was vandalized by unknown perpetrators, who sprayed graffiti and released insects. In front of Holloway’s building, the NYPD found flyers stating, “You signed off on the brutalization of Columbia students because they stood against the genocide of Palestinians” and “Divest from Israel, divest from genocide, it’s all we seek of you,” among others. Columbia spokesperson Ben Chang condemned the vandalization.
August 12
Campus access status was adjusted to Orange, meaning only CUID holders and registered guests could visit campus.
August 14
Minouche Shafik announced her resignation as President of Columbia University effective immediately, stating that her “moving on at this point would best enable Columbia to traverse the challenges ahead.” Board of Trustees Co-Chairs David Greenwald and Claire Shipman soon after announced that Dr. Katrina Armstrong, CEO of Columbia University Irving Medical Center, would be serving as interim president moving forward.
IV. Explanations Of A Few Terms Used By Pro-Palestine Supporters At Columbia That Often Spark Confusion
Intifada: A term used to describe the fight for Palestinian liberation against Israel, directly translated to mean “shaking off” or an uprising. Commonly used at pro-Palestine protests in chants or on banners.
Some pro-Israel people view the term as a call to violence against Jewish people, while some pro-Palestine people view it as a call for nonviolent protest against Israeli occupation. Barnard President Laura Rosenbury has herself classified it as “hurtful to many members of our community and experienced as antisemitic threats of violence,” while Columbia’s Task Force on Antisemitism stated it can often be viewed as a call to violence. Overall, this term has different meanings and interpretations to different people—it can’t be restricted to one definition. Nonetheless, the University has taken a rather one-sided approach to defining the word.
From the river to the sea: Often used as a protest chant. Specifically refers to the area between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. Similar to the term “intifada” in that it contains different meanings for different people and can’t be restricted to one definition.
Some pro-Palestine protesters view it as a call for Palestinian liberation across Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel. Palestinian American congressional representative Rashida Tlaib defined the phrase as an “aspirational call for freedom, human rights, and peaceful coexistence, not death, destruction, or hate.”
Some pro-Israel protesters view it as a call for a one-state solution, establishing the State of Israel as the State of Palestine. They may view it as a call to violence and a form of antisemitism. Barnard President Rosenbury has also deemed this phrase “hurtful.”
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) vs Israel Occupation/Occupying Forces (IOF): The IDF is Israel’s national military. All Israeli citizens over the age of 18 are required to serve in the IDF, apart from some exceptions. Some pro-Palestine protesters use the term “IOF” in order to represent Israel’s military as intended to occupy rather than defend land. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has deemed the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories as violating international law.
Zionist entity: Used by pro-Palestinian individuals as a replacement term for “Israel,” founded on the belief that Israel is an illegitimate state justified by Zionist ideologies.
V. What Can I Expect When Beginning As A Columbia Student? How Do I Get Involved Or Learn More?
As a new Columbia student, most of what you’re hearing about the protest activity likely comes from external sources, which are likely filtered through your family members. Take an hour or so before NSOP begins and read up from actual Columbia news sources, who were for some time the only publications that actually had access to Columbia’s campus during the Encampment’s lifetime. Bwog, the Columbia Daily Spectator, WKCR, and the Barnard Bulletin (as well as information from Columbia Journalism students) have unfiltered, on the ground coverage.
Once you’re read up on a brief history of the past several months of protests, you’re probably wondering what it’ll be like to actually be on campus during them. No matter how involved or uninvolved you want to be, you can’t ignore them—that’s their point. Depending on where you live, it’ll be likely that you’ll hear chants while you’re trying to fall asleep every once in a while. You’ll pass protests while going to class or the dining hall, or even just walking down streets surrounding campus. You will probably see NYPD vans and groups of officers, sometimes a couple and other times groups of over 30, on Amsterdam, Broadway, and neighboring streets.
Before the Encampment, protests would only happen a few times each month, usually for a few hours. Starting April 17 and until the end of the Spring 2024 semester, protests would happen every day, oftentimes for several hours on end. At this time, NYPD officers were on campus, where they patrolled, used University facilities during protest and non-protest hours, and made arrests.
If you’re someone who doesn’t want to get involved or whose parents don’t want you to get involved, know that although you will encounter protests, there’s no danger of you getting arrested or being subject to disciplinary action if you’re just near them. Demonstrators chant, but if you don’t want to get involved, nobody will come up to you and try to make you. Again, you can be as involved or uninvolved as you want to be.
If you want to be a participant in a protest, student groups will typically announce them on Instagram, so you can show up and attend to your comfort level. If you want to get involved in the actual organization/board of a certain group, then you would need to contact that group directly (usually advertised on their social media) or join via word of mouth.
Something that everyone will experience is restricted gate access. During parts of April and May, gate access was CUID only, and you could only access through 117th and Broadway (Earl Hall gates) or 116th and Amsterdam. Before then, a few gates were closed during active protests. Either way, gate closures will be announced via email. This means that if you’re trying to have family or friends visit during shutdowns, they can’t access campus. There’s a guest registration form for Barnard and Columbia, but if access is restricted to CUID only, there’s nothing you can do. Planning ahead only works to an extent. (We know, it sucks. You’ll learn to deal with it. It’ll become normal, but it’ll always suck.)
As of July 11, campus now operates on color-coded access status levels:
- Green status: Campus open to everyone, CUID required for building access. All access points open.
- Yellow status: Campus open to everyone, CUID required for building access. Restricted access points open.
- Orange status: Campus open to CUID holders only and pre-registered guests. Restricted access points open.
- Red status: Campus open to restricted CUID holders, including those living on campus and essential staff. No guests allowed. Restricted access points open.
As of August 12, campus access status is Orange.
On another note—yes, you need a CUID to swipe into most buildings on campus. This isn’t due to the protests—it was implemented during COVID-19. So don’t leave your dorm without making sure you have your ID on you! If you’re a Barnard student and have lost your ID, contact CARES (but you should still be able to get into your dorm if you give the access attendant your information). If you’re a Columbia student and have lost your ID, there’s information online on how to get a new one from Kent Hall. There’s been some sort of confusion recently due to Kent being renovated, but if you email or call the Student Service Center or Public Safety you should get it sorted out just fine.
If you need assistance regarding mental health support or filing reports, Bwog has compiled a list of support structures available at Columbia.
Gaza Solidarity Encampment via Bwog Archives
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