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Pro-Palestinian protests at US campuses over Israel's war in Gaza and concerns for Jewish student safety

Published: 23 April 2024 at 00:33

Politics

At least 47 people were arrested at Yale University during pro-Palestinian protests, with similar demonstrations at the University of Michigan, MIT, Harvard, Emerson College, and Tufts University in Boston. President Biden condemned antisemitic protests, and New York Governor Hochul addressed security concerns at Columbia University, where in-person classes were canceled and an encampment was set up. School administrators aim to balance free speech with the safety of Jewish students, as fears of antisemitism arise in some protests.

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Police remove anti-Israel protesters from encampment at Yale University


Police at Yale University removed anti-Israel protesters from an encampment at Beinecke Plaza, where over 250 agitators had gathered after protests calling for the university to divest from military weapon manufacturers. At least 16 protesters were arrested, including some students. An incident involved a Jewish student journalist being jabbed in the eye with a Palestinian flag. This comes after a similar situation at Columbia University and follows protests at Ivy League universities turning violent.

Dozens of Anti-Israel Protesters Arrested at Yale University


Dozens of anti-Israel protesters gathered at Yale University's Beinecke Plaza demanding divestment from weapon manufacturers, refusing an offer to meet with school trustees and the chairperson of the campus investor responsibility committee before being arrested in a Monday morning raid. Yale authorities spent the weekend negotiating with the group to no avail, leading to the arrest of 47 students who refused to leave the plaza. The protests at Yale University continue after a week of demonstrations calling for divestment from military weapons manufacturers.

Anti-Israel Protesters Arrested at Columbia University for Shouting Pro-Hamas Slogans


Over 100 anti-Israel protesters were arrested at Columbia University in New York for setting up a camp and shouting pro-Hamas slogans, including "We are Hamas!" White House press secretary reaffirmed the administration's stance against antisemitism and mentioned Charlottesville as a reason the president ran for office.

Campus comrades: Anti-Israel tent cities and mass protests spring up at elite — and pricey — colleges across US


Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission. The inflammatory anti-Israel protests that have engulfed Columbia University are metastasizing spreading to other elite schools and to campuses around the country as more pampered students join the bandwagon. One of the biggest protests outside Columbia was at Yale University, and it was met with force on Monday morning. Riot gear-glad cops rushed the Ivy League campus in New Haven, Connecticut arresting at least 47 protesters who refused to disperse after warnings from cops.

Barnard College Offers Way for Suspended Students to Return After Protest


Barnard College has offered suspended students a chance to end their interim suspensions if they agree to follow all rules during a probationary period following a 30-hour encampment protest in support of Gaza, which led to more than 100 arrests. The students can avoid having the incident on their transcripts if they comply with the terms. Jewish students at various U.S. colleges, including Columbia University and the University of Michigan, organized interfaith Passover Seders at Gaza solidarity encampments. Additionally, a 24-year-old New Jersey man faces federal hate crime charges for breaking into an Islamic center at Rutgers University.

Growing Anti-Israel Protests at Columbia University Prompt Orthodox Rabbi to Advise Jewish Students to Leave Campus


Amid growing anti-Israel protests at Columbia University, Orthodox Rabbi Elie Buechler advised Jewish students to leave campus due to safety concerns from anti-Israel agitators espousing support for terrorism and violence towards Jewish students. House GOP Chair Rep Elise Stefanik accused Columbia University President Dr Nemat "Minouche" Shafik of a "cover-up" regarding a pro-terrorist professor and demanded her immediate resignation, citing a lack of control on campus endangering Jewish students' safety.

White House condemns anti-Israel protests at Columbia University


The White House has condemned the ongoing anti-Israel protests at colleges in the U.S., including at Columbia University in New York City, stating that calls for violence and intimidation targeting Jewish students are antisemitic and have no place in the country. Protesters occupied the university's south lawn for hours, set up tents on the main lawn, and called for an intifada and the death of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. One Jewish student was physically assaulted and told to "kill yourself" during the protests.

Anti-Israel activists at Yale University set up 'liberation zone' in solidarity with Columbia University protesters


Students at Yale University in Connecticut showed solidarity with pro-Palestine protesters at Columbia University in New York by setting up an encampment with banners reading 'Liberated Zone' and 'Stop Investing in Genocide.' Protesters chanted slogans like 'Up, up with liberation Down, down with occupation' and 'Free, Free, Free Palestine.' The video captured protesters marching, holding signs, and engaging in discussions on campus, including a Jewish man conversing with another individual amid the demonstrations.

Actress Susan Sarandon Joins Anti-Israel Protest at Columbia University


Actress Susan Sarandon marched with anti-Israel protesters at Columbia University, leading them in chants and breaking into stanzas for demonstrators to repeat. Protests included calls for an intifada and the death of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, leading to the arrest of 108 people. Sarandon, dropped by her talent agency for previous appearances at similar rallies, continues her pro-Palestinian activism despite repercussions. Rep. Ilhan Omar's daughter was among those arrested, and another ex-professor was spotted at the protest. Sarandon has made multiple appearances at pro-Palestinian rallies since a Hamas attack on Israel in October.

Rep. Ilhan Omar's Daughter Suspended from Barnard College After Anti-Israel Protest


Isra Hirsi, daughter of U.S. Rep Ilhan Omar, was suspended from Barnard College for participating in anti-Israel protests at Columbia University, resulting in her eviction from campus housing, meal plan restrictions, and uncertainty about her future accommodations following her involvement in protests where she was arrested and issued a summons for trespassing. She expressed concerns about sleeping arrangements and access to basic needs after the suspension, feeling neglected by campus administration during the ordeal.

1968 Columbia University protests (Wikipedia)


In 1968, a series of protests at Columbia University in New York City were one among the various student demonstrations that occurred around the globe in that year. The Columbia protests erupted over the spring of that year after students discovered links between the university and the institutional apparatus supporting the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War, as well as their concern over an allegedly segregated gymnasium to be constructed in the nearby Morningside Park. The protests resulted in the student occupation of many university buildings and the eventual violent removal of protesters by the New York City Police Department.

Pro-Palestine Protester Involved in Fatal Crash Criticized for Walking Free at Columbia University


Isabel Jennifer Seward, daughter of a high-ranking UPS executive, was arrested at Columbia University for protesting against campus anti-Semitism. She was involved in a 2020 car crash that killed elderly couple Chet and Connie Hawkins in Vermont and was never charged with their deaths. Seward pleaded no contest to a traffic ticket and received a $220 fine. Her privileged background has led to outrage from the victims' family, urging for murder charges. Over 100 protesters, including Seward, were arrested at Columbia University, prompting criticism for anti-Semitic rhetoric.

New England Patriots Owner Robert Kraft Withdraws Support from Columbia University Over Anti-Israel Protests


New England Patriots team owner Robert Kraft announced his decision to withdraw support from Columbia University due to ongoing anti-Israel protests at the Manhattan campus. Kraft, who received a full academic scholarship from Columbia, expressed disappointment in the school's handling of hate and urged for corrective action. He specifically mentioned concerns for Jewish students' safety and the need for Columbia to regain trust. Kraft's philanthropic efforts against antisemitism, including a $25 million commitment, have been heightened following the Oct. 7 terror attacks in Israel. The protests at Columbia reportedly included antisemitic incidents, leading to Kraft's decision.

Rep. Ilhan Omar expresses pride in daughter's arrest during anti-Israel protest


Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Democratic congresswoman from Minnesota, expressed pride in her daughter, Isra Hirsi, who was arrested during an anti-Israel protest in New York City. Isra Hirsi, a junior at Barnard College, was suspended for her involvement in the protest. Omar has a history of making statements against Israel and has called for a cease-fire of Israel's military operation in Gaza. Hirsi and over 100 protesters were arrested for trespassing during a demonstration at Columbia University. The protest aimed to stand in solidarity with Palestinians and demand divestment from companies complicit in genocide.

Sen. Fetterman Endorses Mitt Romney for Harvard University President Amid Antisemitism Concerns


Sen. Fetterman, a Harvard alumnus, supports Sen. Romney to lead Harvard University and address the rise of antisemitism on campus, citing the need to recalibrate from far-left orthodoxy. Romney, known for bipartisan work, is praised for his ability to reform the institution. Harvard faces challenges after the resignation of President Gay amidst a plagiarism scandal. Fetterman's endorsement comes amidst extreme protests in support of Palestine and his strong backing of U.S. ally Israel. Romney's potential presidency at Harvard sparks hope for necessary reforms to combat antisemitism.

Patriots' Owner Robert Kraft Pulls Support for Columbia University Amid Anti-Israel Protests


New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft decided to withdraw financial support for Columbia University due to concerns of rising antisemitism and anti-Israel protests on campus. Kraft expressed shock and disappointment at the hate against Jewish people in the United States and emphasized the importance of standing up against all forms of discrimination. Other billionaire donors like Leon Cooperman and Len Blavatnik also considered halting donations to Columbia University in response to pro-Hamas protests and the failure to protect Jewish students on campus.

Teachers College, Columbia University (Wikipedia)


Teachers College, Columbia University (TC) is the graduate school of education of Columbia University, a private research university in New York City. Founded in 1887, Teachers College has served as one of the official Faculties and the Department of Education of Columbia University since 1898. It is the oldest and largest graduate school of education in the United States. Teachers College alumni and faculty have held prominent positions in academia, government, music, non-profit, healthcare, and social science research. Overall, Teachers College has over 90,000 alumni in more than 30 countries. Notable alumni and former faculty include John Dewey, Art Garfunkel, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Carl Rogers, Margaret Mead, Bill Campbell, Georgia O'Keeffe, Edward Thorndike, Rollo May, Donna Shalala, Albert Ellis, William Schuman (former president of the Juilliard School), Lee Huan (former Premier of the Republic of China), Shirley Chisholm (first black woman elected to the United States Congress), Hafizullah Amin (former leader of Afghanistan), Hamden L. Forkner (founder of Future Business Leaders of America), and E. Gordon Gee (has held more university presidencies than any other American including Brown University and Vanderbilt University).

President of Columbia University (Wikipedia)


The president of Columbia University is the chief officer of Columbia University in New York City. The position was created in 1754 by the original royal charter for the university, issued by George II, and the power to appoint the president was given to an autonomous board of trustees. The university suspended operations upon the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War, during which no individual served as president. When it was resuscitated by the New York State Legislature, the university was placed directly under the control of the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York; its chancellor, George Clinton, served as the de facto president of Columbia University. Through the efforts of Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, control of the university was returned to a private board of trustees in 1787, which has to this day maintained the right to appoint or remove the president, who also serves on the board ex officio. The university's first president was Samuel Johnson, who held the office from 1754 to 1763, and its 20th and current president is Minouche Shafik, whose tenure began on July 1, 2023.Upon the founding of the university, it was stipulated by the vestrymen of Trinity Church, on whose land King's College sat, that every president must be a member of the Church of England; otherwise, the land would revert to the church. As such, every single president of the university until the appointment of Dwight D. Eisenhower was Anglican, while the first six presidents, with the exception of William Samuel Johnson, were all either Anglican priests or bishops. Michael I. Sovern, appointed in 1980, was the university's first Jewish president. In 2023, Minouche Shafik became the first woman to serve as president of the university. From 1902 to 1970, every president was involved in foreign relations in some capacity: Nicholas Murray Butler was the president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace from 1925 to 1945, and was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for his promotion of the Kellogg–Briand Pact; Dwight D. Eisenhower served as Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force during World War II, and after his tenure would serve as President of the United States; and Grayson L. Kirk and Andrew W. Cordier were both instrumental to the formation of the United Nations.As established by Columbia University's governing statutes, it is the duty of the president to exercise jurisdiction over all affairs of the university; to call special meetings of the University Senate, faculties, and administration; to report to the Trustees of Columbia on the state and needs of the university annually; and to administer discipline. The consent of the president is necessary for any act made by a faculty or administrative board, unless their veto is overridden by two-thirds vote. Additionally, the president is able to grant leaves of absences, give faculty permission to use university laboratories for experiments, and confer academic and honorary degrees on behalf of the board of trustees.The president is ex officio a permanent member of the Pulitzer Prize Board, and has annually presented the awards to its recipients since 1984. In addition, the president is an ex officio member of the board of trustees of Barnard College.

President Biden facing pushback from Muslim community over $26B Israel funding bill


President Biden is facing backlash from Muslim voters and organizations for supporting a $26 billion funding bill for Israel that includes aid for Ukraine and Taiwan. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) criticized the move, saying it could sever ties between the administration and the American Muslim community. CAIR described the aid as a "blank check" for Israel, allowing the purchase of weapons used in Gaza, and warned it could make the U.S. complicit in the Gaza genocide. The House passed the bill, and Biden has promised to sign it.

Columbia University rape accusation controversy (Wikipedia)


In April 2013, Emma Sulkowicz, an American fourth-year visual arts major at Columbia University in New York City, filed a complaint with Columbia University requesting expulsion of fellow fourth-year student and German national, Paul Nungesser, alleging he had raped Sulkowicz in her dorm room on August 27, 2012. Nungesser was found not responsible by a university inquiry.In May 2014, Sulkowicz filed a report against Nungesser with the New York Police Department (NYPD), who did not pursue charges. The district attorney's office interviewed both students, but did not pursue charges, citing lack of reasonable suspicion. Sulkowicz declined to pursue criminal charges any further, and stated that NYPD officers were dismissive and had mistreated her.After Columbia declined to take action against Nungesser, Sulkowicz produced a work of performance art entitled Mattress Performance (Carry That Weight) as a senior thesis, which involved Sulkowicz carrying a 50-pound dorm mattress on campus to represent the painful burden rape victims carry throughout daily life, and in protest of what Sulkowicz described as Columbia University's mishandling of the sexual assault complaint. Nungesser called Sulkowicz's allegations untrue, citing as evidence behavior Nungesser said was counterintuitive, such as friendly texts Sulkowicz sent Nungesser days after the alleged attack occurred, and described the mattress piece as an act of bullying intended to force him to leave Columbia.In April 2015, Nungesser filed a Title IX gender discrimination lawsuit against Columbia, its board of trustees, university president Lee Bollinger, and Sulkowicz's supervising art professor Jon Kessler, alleging that Columbia had facilitated gender-based harassment by allowing Sulkowicz to receive course credit for the performance. Federal District Court Judge Gregory H. Woods dismissed the lawsuit but allowed Nungesser to refile an amended suit, which was settled by Columbia in July 2017. In 2017, the university issued a statement acknowledging that Nungesser experienced a very difficult time, promised to keep its gender-based misconduct policies fair, and settled Nungesser's lawsuit under undisclosed terms.

Republicans criticize Biden's Title IX changes protecting gender identity and rolling back Trump-era rules


Republicans, including Sen. Bill Cassidy, criticize President Biden's Department of Education for new Title IX regulations protecting gender identity and rolling back Trump-era rules that provided rights to those accused of sexual misconduct. The changes expand sex discrimination to include sexual orientation and gender identity, hailed as protection for LGBT students. Former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos' regulations on due process for the accused were reversed. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona supported the newly announced rules.

Stefanik accuses Columbia president of 'pro-terrorist' professor 'cover-up,' warns of potential felony


Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Mich., questioned Columbia University President Dr. Nemat "Minouche" Shafik Wednesday about the employment of a professor who celebrated the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks as "awesome.

Pro-Palestinian protests at US campuses over Israel\'s war in Gaza and concerns for Jewish student safety Pro-Palestinian protests at US campuses over Israel\'s war in Gaza and concerns for Jewish student safety Pro-Palestinian protests at US campuses over Israel\'s war in Gaza and concerns for Jewish student safety Pro-Palestinian protests at US campuses over Israel\'s war in Gaza and concerns for Jewish student safety Pro-Palestinian protests at US campuses over Israel\'s war in Gaza and concerns for Jewish student safety Pro-Palestinian protests at US campuses over Israel\'s war in Gaza and concerns for Jewish student safety

SOURCES

CBS News

Biden condemns antisemitic protests and those who don't understand what's going on with the Palestinians

CBS News

NY Post

Biden condemns ‘antisemitic protests,’ and ‘those who don’t understand’ Palestinians in echo of Trump ‘both sides’ remark

NY Post

NY Post

Columbia prez must go: She’s now privileging antisemitic protesters over all other students

NY Post

NY Post

Columbia President Minouche Shafik faces mounting calls to resign as anti-Israel protest grows

NY Post

Yahoo! News

Columbia, Yale crack down with arrests at pro-Palestinian encampments. Why are tent cities springing up at elite colleges?

Yahoo! News

Yahoo! News

Columbia, Yale Get Tough on Protests as Students Refuse to Back Down

Yahoo! News

NBC

Live updates: Protests escalate at Columbia and other universities over Israel-Gaza conflict

NBC

Fox News

Columbia president condemns terrorism 'full stop' after video surfaces of her calling it 'form of protesting'

Fox News

Fox News

White House mum on whether Biden would send National Guard to Columbia University

Fox News

Fox News

Biden crushed for equivocating on antisemitic protests: 'Very fine people on both sides' moment

Fox News

Daily Mail

Biden tries to have it both ways on college anti-Israel protests

Nikki Schwab

China Daily

Pro-Palestinian protests spread to more US campuses

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Police remove anti-Israel protesters from encampment at Yale University

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Dozens of Anti-Israel Protesters Arrested at Yale University

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Anti-Israel Protesters Arrested at Columbia University for Shouting Pro-Hamas Slogans

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Campus comrades: Anti-Israel tent cities and mass protests spring up at elite — and pricey — colleges across US

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Barnard College Offers Way for Suspended Students to Return After Protest

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Growing Anti-Israel Protests at Columbia University Prompt Orthodox Rabbi to Advise Jewish Students to Leave Campus

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White House condemns anti-Israel protests at Columbia University

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Anti-Israel activists at Yale University set up 'liberation zone' in solidarity with Columbia University protesters

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Actress Susan Sarandon Joins Anti-Israel Protest at Columbia University

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Rep. Ilhan Omar's Daughter Suspended from Barnard College After Anti-Israel Protest

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Wikipedia

1968 Columbia University protests

Wikipedia

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Pro-Palestine Protester Involved in Fatal Crash Criticized for Walking Free at Columbia University

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New England Patriots Owner Robert Kraft Withdraws Support from Columbia University Over Anti-Israel Protests

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Rep. Ilhan Omar expresses pride in daughter's arrest during anti-Israel protest

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Sen. Fetterman Endorses Mitt Romney for Harvard University President Amid Antisemitism Concerns

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Patriots' Owner Robert Kraft Pulls Support for Columbia University Amid Anti-Israel Protests

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Wikipedia

Teachers College, Columbia University

Wikipedia

Wikipedia

President of Columbia University

Wikipedia

PANORA

President Biden facing pushback from Muslim community over $26B Israel funding bill

PANORA

Wikipedia

Columbia University rape accusation controversy

Wikipedia

PANORA

Republicans criticize Biden's Title IX changes protecting gender identity and rolling back Trump-era rules

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Stefanik accuses Columbia president of 'pro-terrorist' professor 'cover-up,' warns of potential felony

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