The nation’s most prestigious Elite Universities educational institutions became focal points of nationwide political protest on Monday, amidst Israel’s offensive in Gaza and perceived U.S. support for it. Columbia University suspended in-person classes due to safety concerns, while dozens of students were arrested at Yale University. Harvard University preemptively closed its main lawn to the public in anticipation of demonstrations.
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Elite Universities
Columbia’s decision to shift classes and exams online followed days of intense protests and mass arrests, driven by mounting resentment over the conflict in Gaza. Concerns for the safety of Columbia’s approximately 5,000 Jewish students prompted Rabbi Elie Buechler, associated with Columbia’s Orthodox Union Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus, to advise predominantly Orthodox Jewish students to return home.
Columbia University President Minouche Shafik pledged to collaborate with faculty and administrators to address the crisis. “Our community’s bonds have been severely tested,” she lamented, acknowledging the upheaval.
The unrest followed Shafik’s recent congressional testimony, during which she faced scrutiny over the university’s response to antisemitism on campus. Despite navigating challenging questions, Shafik emphasized the university’s commitment to combatting antisemitism and addressing concerning behaviors among faculty.
Meanwhile, pro-Palestinian students erected an encampment at Columbia, demanding divestment from businesses with ties to Israel. The encampment, which attracted hundreds of supporters, was disbanded by city police, resulting in numerous arrests.
The turmoil extended to other prestigious campuses, with Yale witnessing arrests as students protested the university’s investments in military weapons manufacturers. Harvard preemptively closed its campus lawns to the public in anticipation of potential demonstrations.
The discord stems from the deadly terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7th, which triggered a significant Israeli airstrike campaign in Gaza. The resulting humanitarian crisis has fueled tensions on college campuses, particularly those with substantial Jewish student populations, highlighting the complex interplay between political free speech and rising antisemitism concerns.
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