Barnard College Sit-in Protest Demands Student Reinstatements, Clashes Erupt

A sit-in protest at Barnard College saw nearly 100 students demand the reinstatement of two colleagues expelled for disrupting an Israeli history class. Organized by Columbia University Apartheid Divest, the demonstration escalated when protesters clashed with security, resulting in one employee being hospitalized due to physical assault. The protesters, who wore keffiyehs and occupied Milbank Hall, called for the reversal of the expulsions, amnesty for disciplined students, and transparency in disciplinary processes. Barnard President Laura Rosenbury condemned the actions of the demonstrators, emphasizing campus safety, while also offering to meet with selected protest representatives—a condition the protesters refused, citing safety concerns. The incident reflects broader tensions on campuses regarding Israel-Palestine issues, with Barnard officials warning of further action if the protest did not conclude by a set deadline. The expelled students' case has gained significant attention, with over 110,000 people signing a petition for their reinstatement.