Harvard University continues discussions with student activists regarding removal of protest encampment

Columbia University has decided to continue negotiations with student activists regarding the dismantling of the pro-Palestinian encampment that has caused unrest on campus, according to a school spokesperson.

This decision was made on Tuesday morning, following an announcement from Columbia's president that protesters had until midnight to come to an agreement or the university would explore other ways to remove the encampment. However, after significant progress was achieved, the talks have been extended for another 48 hours, the spokesperson confirmed.

Calls for police intervention have been mounting as the protests continue into their eighth day at Columbia University. President Minouche Shafik has been urged by donors and lawmakers to clear the encampment and restore order on campus. This comes despite criticism from students and faculty over her decision last week to involve the New York Police Department in clearing another student encampment.

In response to the threats of police and National Guard intervention, student organizers announced that their representatives walked out of negotiations on Tuesday. The university had warned that law enforcement would be called in if protesters did not comply with their demands.

Columbia declined to provide a response when CNN inquired about the students' claim.

Prior to the deadline late Tuesday night, over 80 tents filled the lawn with hundreds of people milling about the encampment. The university stated that student protesters have agreed to take down and remove a large number of tents, and have also agreed that individuals not associated with the university will vacate the encampment.

The university mentioned that student activists have made efforts to create a welcoming atmosphere at the encampment and have enforced rules against discrimination and harassment.

Protesters have stated that they will not leave until the university severs connections with Israeli academic institutions and commits to fully divesting Columbia's funds from entities linked to Israel, along with other requests. However, the editor-in-chief of Columbia's student newspaper informed CNN that the negotiating parties are having difficulty reaching a compromise.

Isabella Ramirez, editor-in-chief of the Columbia Spectator, mentioned on Tuesday night that there appears to be limited space for the university to meet the students and vice versa. It seems like finding a compromise is challenging in this situation.

Following days of unrest on campus and demonstrations by non-student protesters outside the university gates, safety concerns have arisen among Jewish students. As a response, Columbia has decided to transition to mostly hybrid classes on its main campus for the remainder of the semester.

Shafik expressed his full support for the value of free speech and the right to peaceful demonstration in a statement released on Tuesday evening. He also acknowledged that many protestors have gathered peacefully.

However, Shafik raised concerns about the encampment, citing serious safety issues, disruptions to campus life, and a tense, sometimes hostile environment for members of the community.

During the Passover seder at Columbia's Gaza protest encampment, emotions are running high. Jewish students, faculty, and staff are celebrating the holiday amidst tensions. From the mayor of New York to President Joe Biden, elected officials have shared their thoughts. Leaders of the House of Representatives have also issued statements representing both sides of the aisle.

House Speaker Mike Johnson announced that he will be visiting Jewish students at Columbia on Wednesday. His office also mentioned that he will be holding a press conference to address the concerning increase of antisemitism on college campuses in America.

With Columbia gaining national attention, other universities are also experiencing similar issues. This trend of antisemitism spreading across the country has officials everywhere trying to figure out how to respond effectively.

Arrests have occurred at other campuses across the United States as well. More than 100 students from Columbia University and Barnard College were arrested last Thursday. Barnard President Lisa Rosenbury confirmed in a statement Monday that students on interim suspension “no longer have access to most Barnard buildings.”

More than 130 people were arrested at New York University at a pro-Palestinian protest Monday night. NYU said it asked for help from the NYPD after school officials said there were “intimidating chants and several antisemitic incidents” during a protest. That led to scenes of a chaotic confrontation between protesters and police in full riot gear. An NYPD official said the demonstrations weren’t violent overall, except for a few bottles thrown at police officers.

Yale University police arrested 45 protesters on Monday for criminal trespassing after they refused to leave, according to police in New Haven, Connecticut. Despite this, many protesters were still there on Tuesday morning.

In solidarity, other schools also joined in the protests.

Students in the United States have been showing their support for Gaza and suspended Columbia students through protests this week.

At the University of New Mexico, students, faculty, and staff participated in a peaceful protest on Monday to express their solidarity with Gaza, as stated in a university statement on Tuesday. Similarly, at the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus, nine individuals were arrested on Tuesday morning for setting up an encampment that violated school policy.

Pro-Palestinian encampments have been established at various universities including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Emerson College, the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Michigan.

Harvard University has taken action by closing Harvard Yard and suspending a pro-Palestinian student organization for reportedly breaking school rules.

At Columbia University, students are currently camping out and have made it clear that they will not leave until their demands are addressed. These demands include a full divestment from any connections to Israel, transparency regarding the university's financial investments, and assurance that participating students will not face disciplinary actions.

University officials have cautioned that the encampment at Columbia University is not in compliance with school rules, but have not specified any disciplinary actions. New York City Mayor Eric Adams mentioned that authorities have pinpointed "outside agitators" as the source of issues at the peaceful student protests at Columbia, NYU, and other city schools.

The Columbia University encampment was bustling earlier this week, as numerous students gathered in groups, engaging in conversations and sharing meals.

A group of Jewish and non-Jewish students gathered at the encampment to celebrate Passover Seder Monday night. Columbia student Cameron Jones shared with CNN that for him, Passover symbolizes perseverance and resilience. He mentioned that the encampment reflects these ideals as they have faced challenges from the university in their student activism, yet they continue to persevere.

However, some Jewish students have expressed concerns about their safety. Jacob Schmeltz, a senior at Columbia, usually celebrates Passover on campus but has decided to go home for the holiday this year.

“Jewish students have had enough, and it’s gotten to the point that we feel safer off campus than on it,” he said.

In the national spotlight

Lawmakers are paying more attention to the ongoing protests. The White House mentioned that Biden is aware of the pro-Palestinian demonstrations happening at college campuses nationwide. White House Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates stated, "We understand that this is a difficult time for many communities. We respect and support every American's right to peacefully protest, which we have consistently emphasized."

Bates emphasized that the White House strongly condemned any calls for violence and antisemitic rhetoric.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasized that combating antisemitism and hatred is not a matter of political affiliation. It is a national issue that should unite all Americans.

CNN’s Kate Sullivan, John Towfighi, Melanie Zanona, Taylor Romine, Omar Jimenez, Sara Smart, Matt Egan, Nic F. Anderson, Julia Jones and Isabel Rosales contributed to report.

Editor's P/S:

The ongoing