Campus Protests Spur Arrests, Federal Scrutiny at UW, Columbia

Pro-Palestinian protests at both Columbia University and the University of Washington escalated into building occupations, property damage, and dozens of arrests. At Columbia, masked protesters stormed Butler Library, resulting in violent confrontations, reported antisemitic abuse toward Jewish students, and over 70 arrests after NYPD intervention. Federal officials, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, called for visa reviews of those involved. At UW, protesters affiliated with SUPER UW occupied an engineering building, caused over $1 million in damage, and 21 students were suspended after arrests. The Trump administration urged stronger protective measures for Jewish students and both universities face federal scrutiny over campus safety and antisemitism. Organizers at UW are demanding the university drop suspensions and charges amid ongoing debates on free speech and campus unrest.