Columbia University President Minouche Shafik has set a deadline of midnight for reaching an agreement in negotiations with student organizers involved in the 'Gaza Solidarity Encampment.' Failure to reach an agreement may lead to considering alternative options for clearing the West Lawn and restoring calm to campus.
In an email sent to the Columbia community, Shafik stated that discussions have been ongoing with various groups, including student organizers, faculty members, administrators, and the University Senate, to address the dismantling of the encampment and ensuring compliance with university policies moving forward.
While expressing support for free speech and the right to demonstrate, Shafik emphasized that the encampment poses safety concerns, disrupts campus life, and has created a tense environment for many community members. Therefore, she stressed the importance of developing a plan to dismantle the encampment.
The university has transitioned to a hybrid learning environment due to safety concerns, with classes moving online following Shafik's directive. The midnight deadline set on Tuesday follows a recent police sweep authorized by Shafik, which resulted in 108 arrests - the largest mass arrest on campus since 1968.
Shafik also made it clear that intimidating, harassing, or discriminatory behavior will not be tolerated. Efforts are underway to identify protestors who violated policies against discrimination and harassment, and they will face appropriate disciplinary actions.
