The steps in front of Low Memorial Library at Columbia University have been the site of major campus protests since the 1960s.
When the students instead joined a rally on the streets outside of campus the next day, they were greeted by rows of police officers.
Since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war, Columbia has been under intense pressure to rein in pro-Palestinian protests that accuse Israel of genocide and call for a cease-fire.
The protests have not been violent, but some donors, trustees and students say they reflect and foment antisemitism.
In response, Columbia and Barnard, the university’s sister school, have sought to enforce rules requiring extensive advance notice and barring anything that might disrupt campus activities.
Persons:
Israel
Organizations:
Low, Library, Columbia University, Barnard
Locations:
Israel, Columbia, Vietnam