A new round of anti-Israel demonstrations has sparked at Columbia University, where a small group of protesters gathered to support the latest student encampment. The protests coincide with the university's alumni reunion weekend, and tensions rose as campus public safety officers attempted to dismantle the tents that were set up on Friday evening. Despite these efforts, several tents remained on the lawn as students spent the night in the encampment.
Named 'Revolt for...,' the new encampment features tents, food supplies, sleeping bags, and pillows scattered across the lawn. Signs with messages like 'we're back' were also displayed, signaling the protesters' determination. The decision to pitch the tents during the alumni reunion weekend was strategic, aiming to draw attention to their cause.
Student organizers have taken to social media to rally support, urging alumni to join over 4,000 others who have pledged to withhold donations until their demands are met. These demands include a call for full divestment from Israel, a point of contention that led to previous clashes between students and university leadership.
Earlier this year, negotiations between students and the university broke down over the divestment issue, leading to a student occupation of Hamilton Hall. Subsequent police intervention resulted in over a hundred arrests and heightened tensions on campus.
Protests have not been limited to Columbia University, as demonstrators also targeted the Brooklyn Art Museum, scaling its walls and unfurling banners calling for 'Free Palestine' and divestment from genocide. University officials are closely monitoring the situation at Columbia, where the encampment continues to grow in size and intensity.
While reporters are currently barred from the campus, the protesters remain active just outside the gates. As the situation unfolds, there is a possibility that press access may be granted depending on the developments. For now, the chants of the protesters echo through the evening, underscoring the ongoing tensions at Columbia University.
