Columbia University to Expel Students Involved in Hamilton Hall Event
In an unprecedented move, Columbia University has announced its decision to expel students involved in the event at Hamilton Hall. This historic building, a symbol of student protest since the 1960s, has once again become the focal point of a heated demonstration, this time revolving around the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The Event
Origins of the Protest:
In the early hours of Tuesday, activists barricaded themselves inside Hamilton Hall. They displayed a Palestinian flag from the windows and declared the building 'liberated'. The takeover was peaceful, with no reports of violence or damage to the building.
The 1968 Protests
The origins of Columbia University’s protest culture can be traced back to 1968, when students took over five campus buildings1. The 1968 protests were primarily against the university’s connection to an institute doing weapon research for the Vietnam War and the university’s treatment of Black and brown residents in the surrounding community2. The university’s response to these protests, which included bringing in a thousand New York Police Department officers to make arrests, was not gentle2.
The Anti-Apartheid Protests
In 1984, students led anti-apartheid protests calling on Columbia to divest from South Africa3. Demonstrators gathered at the entrance to Hamilton Hall, one of the same buildings occupied in the 1968 demonstrations3.
The 2024 Pro-Palestine and Anti-Zionism Protests
The 2024 protests at Columbia University began on April 17, 20241. Pro-Palestinian students established an encampment of approximately 50 tents on the university’s campus, calling it the Gaza Solidarity Encampment1. They demanded that the university divest from Israel.
The protests were organized by Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD), a student-led coalition of over 120 groups1. Other groups involved included Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), which have often participated in New York City’s pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
University's Ultimatum
Columbia issued a 2 p.m. deadline for the protesters to vacate the premises. The defiance of this order has led to the current expulsion threat. The university cited concerns for safety and disruption of academic activities as reasons for the ultimatum.
The University's Stance
No Divestment:
Despite the protests, Columbia's President Minouche Shafik has stated that the university will not divest from Israel. She emphasized the university's commitment to academic freedom and its policy of not taking political stances.
Warning of Expulsion:
The administration has followed through on its warning, stating that property vandalism and blockade of entrances cannot be tolerated. The university has a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of all students, and any actions that compromise this will be dealt with seriously.
The university’s response to these protests was swift and decisive. University president Minouche Shafik authorized the New York City Police Department to storm the campus and conduct mass arrests. This marked the first time Columbia allowed police to suppress campus protests since the 1968 demonstrations against the Vietnam War.
The Protesters' Demands
Divestment from Israel:
Transparency in University Investments:
Financial Transparency:
The students are calling for full disclosure of the university's financial holdings. They believe that the university community has a right to know where its money is being invested.
Amnesty for Activists:
They seek amnesty for all student protesters involved in the event. The students argue that their actions are a form of peaceful protest and should be protected under the right to free speech.
The demand for amnesty for all participants in the protests is rooted in the students' belief in the right to peaceful protest. They argue that their actions, while disruptive, are a form of peaceful protest protected under the right to free speech. They fear that without amnesty, students involved in the protests could face disciplinary action from the university, including suspension or expulsion.
Recognition of Palestinian Rights:
The demand for the recognition of Palestinian rights is perhaps the most fundamental of the students' demands. They are calling on the university to acknowledge the rights of Palestinians and to take a stand against what they see as human rights abuses by Israel. This includes recognizing the right of Palestinians to self-determination and condemning actions by Israel that the students perceive as violating these rights.
These demands reflect a broader trend in student activism, which increasingly focuses on issues of global justice and human rights. They also highlight the role of universities as sites of political debate and social change. Whether or not the university accedes to these demands, the protests have already succeeded in sparking a conversation about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the role of universities in addressing global injustices.
Impact on the Campus
Academic Disruption:
The event has led to the closure of libraries and the sweeping of students from campus buildings. This has caused significant disruption to academic activities, with many classes being cancelled or moved online.
Limited Access:
Only essential personnel and residential students are allowed past the gates, with dining halls restricted to on-campus residents. This has caused inconvenience for many students, particularly those who live off-campus.
The protests have had a significant impact on the campus and beyond. They have disrupted academic activities, led to the closure of libraries, and limited access to campus buildings. Moreover, they have sparked similar protests at campuses nationwide and even internationally.
The Future
The situation remains tense as negotiations have stalled. The university's firm stance against divestment and the protesters' unwavering demands suggest a prolonged standoff. The outcome of this event could set a precedent for campus activism across the nation, potentially influencing the strategies of both university administrations and student activists in the future.
The future of protests at Columbia University remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear: the tradition of student activism at Columbia University is alive and well. As long as there are issues that students feel passionately about, it is likely that Columbia University will continue to be a site of significant student protests.
