NEW YORK — Columbia University imposed restrictions on its campus in anticipation of clashing protests by student groups demonstrating in support of Israelis and Palestinians.
The campus was only open to people with a campus ID Thursday, as university officials attempted to stop outside supporters from “creating an unsafe environment for our community.”
“That is why today we have limited our access to CUID holders only,” Dennis Mitchell, interim chancellor, wrote in a community letter.
A school spokesperson told NBC News that the university had also made “accommodations for a limited number of media outlets.”
Columbia students participate in a demonstration in support of Palestine on campus. Students also held a counterdemonstration in support of Israel across the lawn. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
The two groups that held demonstrations on campus Thursday were Students for Justice in Palestine and Students Supporting Israel. Hundreds of young people gathered Thursday night.
The student protests come a day after a 24-year-old leafleter was allegedly attacked on the university campus. The NYPD said the person was hit with a stick. The ruffles, according to The Columbia Daily Spectatorhad the names and photographs of Israelis who Hamas had allegedly taken hostage.
Police said a 19-year-old man was arrested and charged with assault.
Columbia students participate in a rally and vigil in support of Israel in response to a neighboring student rally in support of Palestine at the university. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
2023-10-13 02:17:27
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