NEW YORK -- Columbia University President Minouche Shafik has given a deadline for pro-Palestinian protesters gathered on campus to reach an agreement with school administrators.
In a letter emailed out to the school community Tuesday night, Shafik said student organizers and a group of faculty, administrators and University Senators have been meeting to discuss dismantling the encampment on the school's campus and dispersing the demonstrators.
Shafik says, "Those talks are facing a deadline of midnight [Tuesday] to reach agreement. I very much hope these discussions are successful. If they are not, we will have to consider alternative options for clearing the West Lawn and restoring calm to campus so that students can complete the term and graduate."
The school president cited safety concerns, disruptions to campus life and a tense "and at times hostile" environment for the school community.
Shafik also said her staff is working to identify and discipline any students who have been discriminatory or harassing people.
Demonstrators gather outside President Shafik's home
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators say they want Columbia University to cut financial ties with Israel.
Some protesters who attend Barnard College held a news conference Tuesday in front of Shafik's home to drive home the point.
"The bravery of our people is what I speak about during Passover," expressed Soph, a student. "Even when I was led out of the encampment in zip ties, I stood my ground. Complacency is not an option for me."
Three of the students present at the event were of Jewish descent and have been suspended indefinitely. Columbia University has not disclosed any details regarding disciplinary actions.
"Our university benefits from this situation. We will not rest until they divest," added Sarah Borus. "I have never felt prouder of my Jewish heritage than when I was arrested and removed from campus."
Meanwhile, two members of the encampment group at Columbia mentioned that they are in discussions with the university and are firm on their demands until they are met.
"We express our solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza who are enduring genocide," one of them stated.
Students recount a "disheartening" scenario at Columbia campus
Chopper 2 hovered above Columbia's South Lawn early on Tuesday morning, where pro-Palestinian protesters had set up camp in tents overnight. The demonstration began last Wednesday and has now entered its seventh day.
Columbia transitioned to remote learning on Monday to ease tensions on campus, particularly during the Passover holiday.
School authorities have confirmed that all classes on the Morningside campus will provide a hybrid option for the remainder of the semester, concluding on Monday.
"Safety is our highest priority as we strive to support our students' learning and all the required academic operations," the Office of the Provost posted online. "It's vital that teaching and learning continue during this time."
Campus access has been restricted, and officers remain stationed outside several entrances. Students who opted to attend in-person Tuesday said the situation is making it difficult to focus on their upcoming exams.
"It is pretty disheartening to see all this on campus, I will say. I think a lot of people are misguided. And at the same time, I'm kind of confused because, I mean, being here at Columbia, I mean I have so much work and I know a lot of these students do, as well," junior Michael D'Agostino said. "I have a part-time job, I wouldn't be able to be in this long, not making money and keeping up with my studies."
"It's obviously devastating to see so many students getting hurt and being arrested," sophomore Rony Yin added.
Others are feeling the impact the protests have had beyond campus.
"They have inspired a lot of other people to take more action or perhaps change actions they've been taking to draw more attention to the situation that's happening in Palestine, in Gaza," said Carla Reyes, a non-student protester.
Some protesters have joined the calls for Shafik to resign, while others worry whoever replaces her would take more aggressive action. In her latest statement to students and staff, the president wrote, "Let's sit down and talk and argue and find ways to compromise on solutions."
"I understand how important this is. Young people in particular are energized by their beliefs, but we have to have respectful discourse. This has gone too far," Gov. Kathy Hochul said.
Mayor Eric Adams is applauding the NYPD for its response and says students who protest peacefully are not the problem.
"We can't have outside agitators come in and be destructive to our city," he said.
Former mayor Rudy Giuliani drove by Columbia on Tuesday, putting in his two cents to condemn the demonstrators.
"I feel that we have declined to a state of absurdity when we have these ignorant people who are supporting killers," Giuliani said.
"I wish there was an easy answer"
The semester at Columbia, which many have described as heartbreaking, will come to an end on Monday.
"It's obviously devastating to see so many students getting hurt and being arrested," sophomore Ronny Yin said.
"I'm kind of confused because, I mean being here at Columbia, I mean I have so much work," junior Michel D'Agostino said.
"I long for a simple solution, but it's all so complex and, truth be told, my heart aches over all of it," expressed Julia Dillon, who is employed in the vicinity.
Amid escalating tensions, freshman Daniella Davis expressed regret for remaining on campus this week during Passover.
"There's hardly anyone left on our floor. Just six of us, which feels strange, especially during what should be a more festive time around Pesach, celebrating together. Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case," she lamented.
"I was supposed to be in Israel on Oct. 10, putting on a show, so my entire life got derailed," shared Israeli-American rapper Rami Even-Esh.
Even-Esh is not enrolled at Columbia, but he mentioned that he has been visiting the campus for months to document the protests.
When questioned about the current biggest misconception, Even-Esh responded, "Two things can coexist. For instance, I strongly support Israel, or I am Israeli, and yet I also have deep empathy for the Palestinian people. I have friends who have suffered significant losses in Gaza."
Columbia University boasts one of the most prestigious journalism schools in the nation. CBS New York's Ali Bauman conversed with student journalists from the school newspaper, Columbia Spectator, about balancing classes while reporting on this ongoing situation.
"Being a student on this campus during this intense time has been quite an experience. It's interesting to hear the nation's leaders comment on our situation while we continue with our classes," said Esha Karam, managing editor of the Columbia Spectator. "With finals approaching and commencement not far behind, it will be intriguing to see how things unfold. The university is already setting up commencement stands where the protests were held, and we are all curious to see how the preparations for these events will play out."
The commencement ceremony is set for May 15.
CBS New York has reported that House Speaker Mike Johnson is scheduled to visit Columbia University on Wednesday to meet with Jewish students and address the issue of antisemitism on college campuses during a press conference.
