NEW YORK — Columbia University recently took disciplinary action against several students and others involved in a pro-Palestinian protest held within its main library. The prominent Ivy League university based in Manhattan has temporarily suspended over 65 students from accessing the campus, attending classes, or engaging in university activities. Additionally, 33 individuals, including those linked to nearby Barnard College, have been prohibited from entering Columbia’s grounds.
These interim suspensions will remain in place while the university conducts further investigations into the matter. However, Columbia University has not disclosed the duration of these disciplinary actions. Furthermore, graduates who joined in the demonstration have similarly received restrictions barring them from the campus premises.
The events that led to these actions unfolded on Wednesday evening inside the Butler Library of the university. During the protest, approximately 80 participants were arrested, primarily for trespassing, with some facing potential disorderly conduct charges. Protesters, who attempted the demonstration wearing masks, managed to bypass campus security and display Palestinian flags and banners within the library. They also defaced library property with messages, one notably threatening, “Columbia will burn.”
Following a request by university officials, New York City police intervened to disperse the demonstration, describing the incident as a severe disruption that occurred at a critical time when students were gearing up for final exams. Officials at Columbia expressed their disapproval, labeling the protest as an unacceptable disturbance to student life and routine.
In a related development, the U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has announced a review of the visa statuses of those involved in the library protest, possibly leading to deportation. This move aligns with recent actions by the Trump administration, which involved withdrawing federal support and detaining international students at Columbia and other elite US universities in response to student opposition to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.