Pro-Gaza US protesters in New York's Columbia University say they will stay put despite the university's harassment and police crackdown.
The protesters said they refuse to concede to "cowardly threats and blatant intimidation" by university administration, asserting that they will continue to peacefully protest.
Columbia University threatened the students with the national guard after refusing to bargain in good faith.
The university announced a midnight deadline for talks regarding the removal of pro-Palestine encampments on the varsity campus, warning that their campsite will be forcefully cleared by police if no agreement is reached.
The university campus is being used as a campsite for hundreds of pro-Palestine protesters and other activists, who have gathered and set up numerous tents.
Pro-Palestinian protests at colleges have demanded that their universities divest from corporations doing business with Israel or profiting off the war in Gaza. At Columbia, protesters have also asked the university to end a dual-degree program with Tel Aviv University.
The deadline was announced by Columbia University President Minouche Shafik late Tuesday, as authorities across major American universities have launched their repression campaigns against the pro-Palestinian protests on campuses, amid rising anger over US's support for Israel.
Shafik has issued a midnight deadline to protesters and organizers, warning that failure to comply will result in the forcible clearance of the camp by the New York Police Department (NYPD).
The university has engaged in discussions with student leaders behind the protests, which are part of a series of protests taking place at various colleges nationwide and resulting in multiple arrests.
The purpose of these talks is to address the encampment on the west lawn of Columbia's Morningside Heights campus.
American universities are grappling with the challenge of maintaining a delicate balance between the right to protest and freedom of speech, while also ensuring campus rules and safety, as tensions surrounding the ongoing war in Gaza continue to permeate across campuses.
Meanwhile, Shafik underscored the importance of free speech and the right to demonstrate, but highlighted significant safety issues, disruptions to campus activities, and a strained environment due to the encampment. She firmly stated that any form of intimidation, harassment, or discrimination would not be accepted.
The arrest of more than 100 protesters at Columbia University last week led to more campus demonstrations, at New York University, Yale, and the University of California, Berkeley.
Palestinian university professor Sami al-Arian said what is happening across US university campuses is unprecedented.
Al-Arian said, "I lived four decades in the US, 28 years of which were in academic settings. During my time, it was a very challenging struggle to present an anti-Zionist narrative."
"But the passion, courage, humanity, creativity, and determination displayed these days by students across US campuses make me proud. The Zionist grip on US society is weakening and waning."
Comments
Dear Shobha Karandlaje. This victim is a Beary. So kindly don’t include his name in your prolonged list of slain Hindu karyakarthas.
No anna the killers of RAO are BJP workers (minority sect) but BJP moved...this killer is a paid hitman,
Lesson for All Rowdy if we play with other life one day our life will end .. like tiz..
THAQDHEER BANA NE WALA KAM NAHEEN ! JIS KO KYA MILA WO MUQADDAR KI BAAT HAI
Cops wanted him dead.
That’s why he got bail.
Anyway this is a cleanup drive.
So many cases against him, really a big threat to the mangalore. Good Decision by police department :P
Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un,
Notorious rowdy died a dog’s death!
This may be the preplanned murder, big question is how he can get bail so soon.
No He was gang leader of Target Group.
Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un, how can he get bail so soon, need to question our Constituency?
out of contest! in mangalore no ending of murder?
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un, May allah grant him Jannah
Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un, dear brothers this s eye opener incident to all, pls leave peacefully.
is this same guy who killed Deepak Rao?
Youth dont understand the situation in mangalore. for every start thr will be a bad ending.
he recieved what he wanted.
Really sad but he was really a threat to the society.
Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un
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