Protests at Columbia University have persisted into Friday following mass arrests on Thursday, with a significant police presence reported, including officers in riot gear. Demonstrators, including activist actress Susan Sarandon, are marching through the streets and have reached the university, chanting slogans and carrying signs and flags.
Chants heard during the protest include, 'NYPD KKK. NYPD we know you. You're Israeli trained too!' and 'Palestine will be free!'. Some individuals were captured on video shouting pro-Hamas slogans, sparking controversy.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed concerns about antisemitism, emphasizing the administration's commitment to combating such hate. Meanwhile, criticisms have been directed at Columbia University President Minouche Shafik for allegedly failing to protect Jewish students on campus.
Sarandon expressed solidarity with the students, highlighting the importance of having their voices heard and condemning racism and intolerance. The protesters have demanded transparency regarding the university's financial investments and the dropping of charges against students involved in the protests.
Despite the dismantling of an encampment, protest activities have been ongoing since October, with the university enforcing rules on protest conduct. The NYPD's involvement was authorized by President Shafik due to what was deemed as violations of university policies.
This marks the first mass arrests on the Columbia campus since 1968, underscoring the intensity of the current demonstrations amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Pro-Palestinian protests have been a common sight on Ivy League campuses, reflecting the broader concerns surrounding the situation in the Middle East.
