Columbia U threatens arrests over anti-Israel encampments

Columbia University has issued stern warnings to students planning to recreate pro-Palestinian or anti-Israel encampments on campus, emphasizing that such actions are strictly prohibited by university policy. In response to reports of renewed protest plans, the university announced it would immediately dismantle any tents or structures and instruct protesters to disperse, with possible disciplinary action including expulsion and arrest for those who refuse. These measures come amid heightened tensions following last year's protests over the war in Gaza, which saw mass arrests, campus disruptions, and allegations that demonstrations created an unsafe environment for Jewish students. The university has also further restricted campus access and reaffirmed its commitment to balancing free expression with campus safety and academic continuity. Critics argue that the university's approach infringes on public access, sparking lawsuits from local residents, while supporters of the protests frame them as advocacy for human rights and divestment from Israel. The renewed protests are seen as a significant test for university leadership, especially in light of last year's turmoil and ongoing debates about campus protest policies.