NEW YORK -- Columbia University is in ongoing discussions with pro-Palestinian demonstrators after postponing the deadline to remove their encampment from the university's main lawn in Manhattan.
The university's President, Dr. Minouche Shafik, released a statement on Tuesday indicating that talks are underway with the students to find a resolution. A university spokesperson has confirmed that these discussions will continue for the next 48 hours.
If the negotiations do not yield a successful outcome, the university will explore other options to clear the lawn and restore peace on campus so that students can finish their semester without disruptions.
Chopper 2 captured aerial footage of the campus early Wednesday morning, revealing that numerous tents are still present. Throughout the eight-day protest, the demonstrators have been advocating for Columbia to divest from Israel.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams commended the security measures taken on campus on Tuesday, emphasizing that students engaging in peaceful protests are not the cause of concern.
"We cannot allow external disruptors to come in and disturb our city," remarked Adams during a press briefing.
"I understand how important this is. Young people, in particular, are energized in their beliefs. But we have to have a respectful discourse," said Hochul. "This has gone too far."
Overnight, NYPD officers in riot gear cleared out a group of about 100 protesters just outside campus. They were chanting, waving flags and holding signs in solidarity with students.
House Speaker Mike Johnson is expected to visit the university Wednesday to meet with Jewish students and hold a press conference about antisemitism on college campuses.
Columbia in talks with students
In her latest message to students and staff, Shafik wrote it is time to dismantle the pro-Palestinian encampment that popped up a week ago on the university's West Lawn. Protesters took over the lawn in tents following Shafik's controversial testimony before Congress.
"The encampment raises serious safety concerns, disrupts campus life, and has created a tense and at times hostile environment for many members of our community," she wrote. "It is essential that we move forward with a plan to dismantle it."
Shafik said student organizers have been meeting with a small group of faculty, administrators and University Senators to "discuss the basis for dismantling the encampment, dispersing, and following university policies going forward." They were initially given until midnight Wednesday to come to an accord, but the deadline was later pushed back.
A university spokesperson confirmed early Wednesday the school was "making important progress" and "in light of this constructive dialogue, the university will continue conversations for the next 48 hours."
The spokesperson said students "have committed to dismantling and removing a significant number of tents" and said they would "ensure that those not affiliated with the university will leave. Only university students will be participating in the protest."
"Student protestors have taken steps to make the encampment welcome to all and have prohibited discriminatory or harassing language," the spokesperson added.
Due to security concerns, all classes on the school's campus are offering a hybrid option for the rest of the semester, which ends Monday. Commencement is scheduled for May 15.
