Columbia University in New York City has decided to extend remote classes for the remainder of the term due to escalating tensions surrounding Gaza war protests that have reverberated across college campuses nationwide.
In light of these circumstances, a hybrid learning model has been implemented at Columbia, coinciding with reports of antisemitic incidents occurring in and around the university campus.
The decision comes amidst a flurry of protests, with 133 individuals being arrested during demonstrations at New York University (NYU) on Monday. Similar rallies at Yale University led to multiple arrests, while Harvard University has implemented access restrictions to its campus.
Protests related to the Gaza conflict have also emerged in colleges across the Midwest and West Coast, resulting in the closure of one campus. In Minneapolis, nine students were arrested on Tuesday morning while attempting to establish a protest camp at the University of Minnesota library.
In New York, hundreds of protesters congregated near NYU’s campus in Washington Square Park on Tuesday, denouncing the actions of both city police and university administrators. Despite warnings from university officials, demonstrations escalated, prompting police intervention.
Regarding the situation at Columbia, officials have addressed an ongoing protest encampment on university grounds in Manhattan, emphasizing the importance of maintaining campus order and safety. Columbia’s provost, Angela Olinto, announced the option for remote attendance until the term’s conclusion on April 29th, citing safety as the primary concern.
Concerns about antisemitism have been raised by Jewish students at Columbia, echoing broader societal tensions. President Joe Biden condemned both antisemitic protests and called for an understanding of the complexities surrounding the Palestinian situation.