Columbia and Barnard College Erupt in Pro-Palestinian Protests Following Recent Arrests: What You Need to Know

MORNINGSIDE HEIGHTS, Manhattan — Pro-Palestinian protests erupted Thursday at Columbia University and Barnard College. This followed an earlier incident where nine people were arrested during a police removal of an encampment the day before.

Protesters gathered, chanting for a “free Palestine” and expressing their displeasure with police presence on campus. One protester noted, “We are here outside Barnard College because, for the third time this year, the university’s Special Response Team has been sent to arrest student protesters.”

This unrest came just hours after a tense scene unfolded at Barnard College. NYPD officers, equipped with riot gear, removed protesters from the campus. Nine individuals faced charges, including obstructing governmental administration and disorderly conduct, but were later released.

One student described the police actions as violent and reminiscent of past incidents where students were forcibly removed from campus during protests. Security measures were heightened following Wednesday’s chaos, with only the main gate open and strict ID checks in place for entry.

In the neighborhood, nearby residents shared their concerns. Avi Lichtschein, a local, mentioned a hostile environment and noted his effort to remove antisemitic materials from campus.

Tensions on campus had been high for weeks, especially after three students were expelled for distributing flyers with antisemitic imagery. This situation raised concerns among protesters about what they described as increased repression of political expression.

The demonstration at Barnard followed a smaller rally at Columbia University, where around 90 minutes of protesting took place near Low Library. Despite the protests, the university reported that classes continued as scheduled.

The NYPD had prepared for any disruptions, but the situation remained calm. Lichtschein emphasized the need for swift resolution, arguing that further actions could lead to even more pushback from students.