New York City police arrested dozens of pro-Palestinian demonstrators at Columbia University late Tuesday, April 30, some of whom had occupied an academic building.
The action was taken to dismantle a protest encampment that the Ivy League university had sought to remove for nearly two weeks.
Sarah, a student at the protest, said the university is supposed to be a “safe space.” Musician Kosha Dillz, who was also at the protest, remarked, “If the hostages came home, we wouldn’t really be here in the first place.”
Shortly after police intervened, Columbia University President Minouche Shafik released a letter requesting that police remain on campus until at least May 17 — two days after graduation — “to maintain order and ensure that encampments are not re-established.”
A police spokesperson stated that the campus was cleared of protesters within three hours, and “dozens” were arrested.
