Columbia University Arrests 80 in Pro-Palestinian Library Protest

Columbia University faced significant unrest when pro-Palestinian protesters stormed Butler Library, leading to about 80 arrests and injuries to two campus public safety officers. Acting President Claire Shipman condemned the violent takeover and vandalism, emphasizing that such actions and antisemitism have no place on campus, and noted the disruption of finals for nearly 900 students. The Trump administration and the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism praised Shipman's firm response and are reviewing the visa status of protesters, some of whom have been labeled as 'pro-Hamas,' leading to heightened federal scrutiny and research funding cuts to Columbia. Conversely, the New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) criticized the university for inviting NYPD intervention, arguing that peaceful protests were suppressed and free speech rights targeted. The protestors demanded Columbia divest from companies profiting from Israeli policies and highlighted ongoing violence against Palestinians, while the administration and university officials stressed the distinction between legitimate protest and actions endangering others. The situation underscores the broader tensions surrounding Israel-Gaza-related activism on campus and the federal government's role in enforcing civil rights and immigration laws in this context.