Columbia students remain resolute in anti-Israel protests as academic year resumes

Columbia University has resumed classes, but tensions persist as students and faculty plan further demonstrations against the university’s ties to companies linked to Israel.

Despite efforts by the new leadership to address concerns, including listening sessions and new protest guidelines, student organisers vow to continue their resistance.

Fresh demonstrations erupted on the first day of classes, with protesters marching outside the university gates and urging students to join them. A small group of protesters also splattered red paint on a statue in front of the Low Memorial Library.

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Mahmoud Khalil, a graduate student and representative of campus protesters, stated: “As long as Columbia continues to invest and to benefit from Israeli apartheid, the students will continue to resist.”

The university’s interim president, Katrina Armstrong, has met with students on both sides of the issue, promising to balance free expression and a safe learning environment. However, some faculty members remain cautious, predicting major disruptions.

A recent report by Columbia’s antisemitism task force accused the university of allowing “pervasive” antisemitism to fester on campus. The report recommended revamping the disciplinary process and requiring additional sensitivity training.

Demonstrations against the war have already begun on college campuses this semester, with multiple arrests at the University of Michigan. The University of Maryland has announced it will not allow on-campus demonstrations on October 7, the anniversary of the Hamas attacks in Israel.