1. Campus Turmoil Reaches Critical Point

Columbia University remains the epicenter of nationwide campus protests as demonstrations enter their [X] week. What began as a student-led encampment calling for Palestinian solidarity has evolved into a full-blown institutional crisis, testing the limits of free speech, academic freedom, and university governance.

2. NYPD & National Guard on Standby

• NYPD maintains a heavy presence around Columbia’s Morningside Heights campus after over 100 arrests last week.
• New York Governor Kathy Hochul has not ruled out deploying the National Guard, citing “public safety concerns.”
• University officials have barred outsiders from entering campus, requiring student/faculty ID checks at all gates.

3. Hunger Strikes & Faculty Revolt

• 12+ students have launched a hunger strike, demanding amnesty for suspended protesters.
• Over 50 Columbia faculty members staged a walkout, condemning the administration’s “heavy-handed crackdown.”
• The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) has threatened legal action over alleged violations of academic freedom.

4. Divestment Demands & Financial Fallout

Protesters insist Columbia must:

• Divest from BlackRock, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin over ties to Israel.
• Disclose all investments in weapons manufacturers.
• Cut ties with Tel Aviv University and other Israeli institutions.

University’s Stance:

• Columbia’s Board of Trustees has rejected full divestment but agreed to review its investments.
• Donor backlash grows—several alumni have withheld millions in funding.

5. Antisemitism & Islamophobia Allegations

• Jewish students report harassment, including swastika graffiti and “Go back to Poland” chants.
• Pro-Palestinian students accuse Columbia of suppressing dissent by conflating criticism of Israel with antisemitism.
• The DOJ & Department of Education have opened civil rights investigations.

6. Nationwide Ripple Effects

• Harvard, Yale, NYU, and UCLA have seen similar encampments.
• MIT protesters occupied a campus building, leading to 34 arrests.
• Republicans in Congress are pushing a bill to strip federal funding from universities that “fail to combat antisemitism.”

7. What’s Next?

• May 15 Commencement Threat: Students vow to disrupt graduation if demands aren’t met.
• Negotiations Ongoing: Mediators from the Carter Center are facilitating talks.
• Legal Battles Escalate: The ACLU is suing Columbia for “unlawful suppression of protests.”

Why This Matters

This isn’t just about Columbia—it’s a defining moment for U.S. higher education, forcing universities to balance free speech, safety, and institutional ethics. The outcome could reshape campus activism, donor relations, and federal oversight for years.

Live Updates

📌 5:00 PM EST: Protesters clash with counter-demonstrators near Low Library.
📌 6:30 PM EST: Columbia’s Board of Trustees holds emergency meeting.

Follow #ColumbiaProtests for real-time coverage.

Sources: NYT, WaPo, AP, CNN, Columbia Spectator