Columbia University has requested the New York Police Department (NYPD) to maintain a presence on campus until at least May 17, following the school's commencement, in order to uphold order and prevent the reestablishment of encampments. This request was formalized in a letter from university President Minouche Shafik to NYPD Deputy Commissioner Michael Gerber.
The letter, sent on Tuesday, specifically asked the police to clear a significant protester encampment and Hamilton Hall, a university building that had been occupied by students protesting Israel's actions in Gaza.
In the letter, Shafik emphasized the importance of handling the situation with care and caution when removing individuals from the campus. The university's priority is to ensure the safety and security of all individuals involved.
