Columbia University transitioned to remote instruction on Monday as pro-Palestinian demonstrations persisted for the sixth consecutive day on the institution’s New York City campus.
In an announcement, Columbia University President Minouche Shafik stated that classes would be conducted virtually “to defuse the tension and provide an opportunity for all to contemplate next steps.” Initially, the university proposed a remote learning alternative, but later mandated it.
Aerial footage from Chopper 2 on Monday morning revealed the reappearance of a cluster of tents on the university grounds.
The prior week, Shafik had requested the intervention of the NYPD to dismantle an earlier tent encampment on the campus, resulting in over 100 arrests.
During a press briefing on Monday, NYPD officials indicated that, unless an immediate emergency necessitates their involvement, their ability to act on private property like the campus is restricted to responding upon request.
Security barricades remained stationed outside the school’s entrances on Monday, and CBS New York reported an increase in security personnel presence, along with intensified ID checks at access points.
Expressing a commitment to dialogue and even disagreement as part of finding a resolution to campus tensions, Shafik mentioned plans for a group of deans and administrators to facilitate discussions in the days ahead.
Meanwhile, city and state leaders in New York condemned anti-Semitic rhetoric, particularly with the onset of Passover at sundown.
“Right now, there are many students not feeling safe on campus,” Hochul said. “Students are scared. They’re afraid to walk on campus. They don’t deserve that. They deserve to be in an environment that’s free from discrimination, as required by state human rights laws.”
Governor Kathy Hochul of New York visited the campus on Monday morning to engage in discussions with university leadership, law enforcement, and students regarding the recent protests.
