Columbia University canceled classes early Monday after a series of violent protests on campus over the weekend drew widespread attention from city and national officials and raised concerns for the safety of some Jewish students. announced that it would be held remotely.
“A reset is needed,” University President Minoush Shafik said in a letter to the Columbia community, adding that he was saddened by how the university's bonds have been tested in recent weeks. She urged students who do not live on campus not to travel to campus.
The campus has been embroiled in protests since last week. On Wednesday, as Dr. Shafik testified at a Congressional hearing investigating anti-Semitism at the university, pro-Palestinian students erected dozens of tents on the campus's central lawn and threatened Columbia's divestment from companies with ties to Israel. He vowed to stay until his demands were met. On Thursday, New York police arrested more than 100 students after they refused to resign.
Dr. Shafiq said that in the coming days, a working group of deans, university administrators and faculty members will work towards resolving the crisis.
“That includes continuing our conversations with student protesters to identify actions we can take as a community to end our term peacefully and return to respectful engagement,” she said. .
On Sunday, the atmosphere on campus was tense, fueled by the previous day's pro-Palestinian protests. Rabbi Elie Buechler, who works at Columbia University, told hundreds of Jewish students via WhatsApp on Sunday morning that the university could not guarantee their safety and urged them to return home.
Part of Saturday night's protests led to harassment of some Jewish students, who were targeted with anti-Semitic comments. The verbal attack instilled fear among some of Columbia University's 5,000 Jewish students and drew condemnation from the White House and government. Mayor Eric Adams of New York City.
The student-led demonstrations on campus also sparked off-campus protests by pro-Palestinian demonstrators who appeared not to be affiliated with the university.
In his letter, Dr. Shafiq urged those affected by the protests to report their concerns through the appropriate channels at the university. Many students and faculty say the university's decision to call the police was too forceful, and some draw a distinction between on-campus and off-campus protests.
“Let us remember the shared values of respect for learning, mutual respect, and kindness that are the foundation of Colombia,” Dr. Shafik said in the letter. “I hope everyone can take a deep breath, show compassion, and work together to rebuild the bonds that unite us.”