Columbia university in New York announced on 22/7 that it had disciplined students involved in a May protest at the university's Butler Library, as well as a similar demonstration during the annual alumni event last year.
The university did not disclose the number of students disciplined but said sanctions related to the Butler Library protest included suspensions of 1 to 3 years, revocation of degrees, and expulsion.
NBC News, citing a source, later reported that over 70 students were disciplined, with many receiving two-year suspensions.
Columbia University Apartheid Divest, a student group advocating for the university to cut ties with Israel, reported that nearly 80 students were notified on the afternoon of 21/7 that they faced suspensions ranging from 1 to 3 years or expulsion for their participation in the May protest. The disciplinary notices reportedly required students to apologize to the university or face expulsion.
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New York police confront pro-Palestine protesters at Columbia university on 7/5. Photo: AFP |
New York police confront pro-Palestine protesters at Columbia university on 7/5. Photo: AFP
The university maintained that the protests disrupted teaching activities and violated university policies and regulations, resulting in "inevitable consequences".
On 7/5, the student group, along with others, entered Butler Library during a pro-Palestine demonstration, chanting slogans and confronting police and security personnel. Two security guards were injured in the scuffle as protesters attempted to occupy a room within the library. At least 80 protesters were arrested.
The protest took place a few days after the Israeli cabinet approved a plan to occupy the entire Gaza Strip. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the plan as a forceful military campaign to defeat Hamas.
Columbia university's disciplinary action came a few months after the Donald Trump administration cut hundreds of millions of USD in federal research funding to the university. Following these cuts, Columbia university implemented new policies at the Trump administration's request to begin negotiations for restoring the federal funding.
In March, Columbia university imposed similar disciplinary measures on students who occupied Hamilton Hall during pro-Palestine protests on campus last year. These measures included multi-year suspensions, temporary revocation of degrees, and expulsion.
Huyen Le (NBC News, AFP)
