Columbia Protests Fizzle: Why Plans for New Encampments Failed to Ignite Action

Protest plans at Columbia University fell through on Thursday, leaving the campus bustling with students enjoying an unseasonably warm day. A group of protesters had intended to set up tent encampments to draw attention to the war in Gaza but ultimately decided against it. NBC News reported that these encampments were meant to spark further debate over issues related to campus activism and antisemitism. Columbia has faced scrutiny from the federal government, especially after President Trump’s administration began holding universities accountable for how they handle protests.

Just a day earlier, over 100 individuals gathered in Brooklyn’s Bushwick neighborhood to organize the planned protests. They tried to keep their plans under wraps, recorded meetings suggesting tents would spring up on the Morningside Heights campus. However, the anticipated protests evaporated, and by the afternoon, police presence outside the university had diminished.

Instead of protests, Thursday saw students lounging on the grass, taking photos, and enjoying the sun. Cole Donovan, a Ph.D. student at Columbia, noted a shift in the student body’s willingness to engage in protests compared to last year. "There was a time when students felt empowered to stand up and protest," he said. "But now, there’s a sense of fear that has taken over."

The tension at Columbia has been heightened by recent actions from the Trump administration, which has pushed for strict oversight of how universities manage protests and protect Jewish students. Columbia was the first university to face such measures after the outbreak of war protests. The school’s response included adjusting its admissions process and hiring more security officers, focusing on maintaining safety and neutrality.

Recent incidents have raised alarms among students. Immigration agents have apprehended a few students, including Mahmoud Khalil, a noticeable leader in past protests. This has further contributed to a chilling atmosphere on campus.

Meanwhile, about 45 minutes after the Columbia protest was scheduled to start, a group at the City College of New York (CCNY) announced their own demonstration on social media. They gathered outside CCNY, some wearing masks and keffiyehs, echoing the sentiments of their peers at Columbia. The differences in responses from the two campuses reflect a growing complexity in student activism amid intensified awareness and fear regarding the current political climate.

College students today navigate a landscape that is often fraught with anxiety over their safety and freedom to protest. While some may remain quiet, many still find ways to express their voices, whether in planned protests or spontaneous gatherings. The evolution of protests at educational institutions underscores the resilience and adaptability of students in the face of continuous challenges.

For more details on how universities are responding to government mandates, you can check out the recent report from NBC News here.

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