NEW YORK -- Columbia University's ultimatum for pro-Palestinian demonstrators to vacate their nearly two-week-old encampment lapsed at 2 p.m. on Monday. Any students who remained at the site beyond the deadline would be subject to suspension, as per the university's directive.
Despite the deadline passing, several tents were still standing, and a sizable group of students seemed to initiate a march along the perimeter of the encampment.
In a letter sent to the student protesters, Columbia officials stipulated that the demonstrators must reveal their identities and commit to abiding by university regulations for the upcoming academic year to maintain good standing for the current semester.
Prior to setting the ultimatum, Columbia had declared its decision not to disinvest from Israel and stated that discussions with the students had reached an impasse.
"Since last Wednesday, a select group of academic figures engaged in productive conversations with the student organizers to seek a resolution that would lead to the dismantling of the encampment and adherence to university policies in the future. Unfortunately, we were unable to reach a consensus," Columbia University President Dr. Minouche Shafik mentioned in a recent statement released on Monday.
The leader proceeded to mention that both parties "collaborated in good faith to find common ground," expressing gratitude for their hard work, dedication, and careful efforts, while also expressing a desire for a different outcome.
The demonstrators were requested to dismantle their camp and adhere to university regulations moving forward, which includes obtaining permission two days in advance to protest in designated areas.
"We encourage those in the encampment to disperse voluntarily. We are in discussions with a wider community group to explore alternative internal solutions to resolve this situation promptly," stated Shafik.
During the weekend, university officials dismissed rumors of an imminent lockdown or evictions. Mayor Eric Adams reiterated that the NYPD would only intervene if requested by the university to come onto the campus.
"When such a request is made, it's crucial to handle it with minimal force, especially considering that these are young individuals and we must prioritize their safety," Adams explained.
Columbia University Stands Firm on Divestment Issue
One of the demands made by the student protesters was for Columbia University to divest from companies with ties to Israel. However, the university has declared that it will not comply with this request.
President Shafik's wrote in her statement the school will not divest, but it offered to "develop an expedited timeline" for its Advisory Committee for Socially Responsible Investing to review students' divestment proposals. It also offered to share information about how to access a list of the school's direct investment holdings, with more frequent updates.
"Additionally, the University offered to convene a faculty committee to address academic freedom and to begin a discussion on access and financial barriers to academic programs and global centers. The University also offered to make investments in health and education in Gaza, including supporting early childhood development and support for displaced scholars," her statement continued. "There are important ideas that emerged from this dialogue, and we plan to explore pursuing them in the future."
Columbia students file class-action lawsuit
A group of students filed a class-action lawsuit Monday against the university, saying it needs to ban students and "outside agitators" who are inciting violence.
Meanwhile, a group of Democrats in Congress told Columbia's Board of Trustees to take action, saying the encampment violates federal law.
The group, led by New York Rep. Dan Goldman and New Jersey Rep. Josh Gottheimer, sent a letter, reading in part, "For the past few weeks, this encampment has been the breeding ground for antisemitic attacks on Jewish students," adding that fear has prevented many from safely attending class or leaving their dorm rooms, which the lawmakers say violates Title 5 of the Civil Rights Act.
"A Promise to Commemorate"
Despite the ongoing tensions on campus, the scheduled graduation on May 15 will proceed as planned, the president assured in her address. The encampment currently resides adjacent to the school's commencement venue.
"We also acknowledge the importance of providing a graduation ceremony for thousands of students and their families and friends. It is important to remember that many in this graduating class missed out on high school celebrations due to the pandemic, and a significant number of them are the first in their families to achieve a University degree," the president stated. "It is our duty to recognize the accomplishments of all our graduates and their supporters. We want to affirm to our community members who are making arrangements that we are committed to hosting a Commencement ceremony."
Monday marks the conclusion of classes on campus, with students dedicating the remainder of the week to preparing for final exams commencing on Friday. The university had previously declared that the exams would offer a remote option for students requiring assistance.
Encampment Established at Rutgers University
Following a rally and subsequent march to the location, students at Rutgers University established an encampment on the New Brunswick campus on Monday.
Students are attempting to capture the attention of the university's Board of Governors and the Joint Committee on Investments following their perceived neglect of a request to divest from Israel during a meeting on Thursday.
Earlier this month, over 6,000 students cast their votes in favor of a referendum urging university administrators to disinvest from Israel and terminate the school's collaboration with Tel Aviv University. More than 1,500 students opposed the proposal.
With a total of 44,000 students enrolled in New Brunswick, those who participated in Monday's rally declined to provide on-camera interviews when approached by CBS New York.
"I'm here to support our students, all of them, and to see what our students are going with, what they feel passionate about, and also, I believe in the cause, the idea of divesting being an important part to move our university toward a more moral position," stated Kaiser Aslam, Muslim chaplain of the Rutgers Center for Islamic Life.
"I am Jewish and in terms of antisemitism at these rallies, I have never felt as safe anywhere as I do at these rallies. I have never felt as embraced as I do at these rallies," expressed another student.
Rutgers has confirmed that the request is currently under review. The university's president, who does not have a direct role in the investment process, has openly expressed his personal opposition to the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement, as well as his support for the partnership with Tel Aviv University.
During Monday's gathering, he expressed, "Our students are eager to bring about change in a battle that has claimed too many innocent lives and continues to endanger many more. I acknowledge their freedom to demonstrate as long as it does not disrupt university activities or hinder their peers' learning."
