On September 3, the first day of school at Columbia University, a pro-Palestinian rally outside the entry gates resulted in several individuals being taken into police custody. According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), two people were arrested during the incident. The arrested individuals were identified as 21-year-old Andrew Timberg and 21-year-old Joshi Priyanka. Timberg was charged with attempted obstruction of governmental administration in the second degree and attempted disorderly conduct, while Priyanka was charged with obstruction of governmental administration in the second degree and disorderly conduct.
The New York City Chapter of the Palestinian Youth Movement shared a video of the incident on Instagram, claiming that Columbia University administrators had called on NYPD to violently arrest student picketers on their first day of classes. However, a spokesperson for Columbia University neither confirmed nor denied whether they had called the police in response to the off-campus rally.
Despite this incident, Columbia University reported that their campus remained undisturbed by protests throughout most of their first day back. However, there was an instance where paint was thrown on the Alma Mater statue located near the university library steps. The red splatter was quickly cleaned off by university staff.
Some students like John Garbi expressed indifference towards these aggressive pro-Palestinian encampments and protests that have become associated with Columbia University. Garbi sympathized with protesters but believed some had taken things too far.
During previous pro-Palestinian encampments at Columbia’s campus from April 17 to June 2, there were instances of vandalism and occupation of buildings and classrooms which led to disruptions including cancellation of commencement ceremonies for graduating students.
While security guards were stationed around campus during this year’s first day back at school, many students like Siyun Qian from China remained unfazed by these measures as they pursued their studies at Columbia without hesitation.
Neither Palestinian Youth Movement nor Columbia University Alumni for Palestine groups responded to requests for comment regarding this incident. Attorney Daniel Suhr emphasized that it is crucial for both NYPD and Columbia University to ensure all students’ rights are respected and protected when accessing campus via public sidewalks.
A lawsuit has been filed against various student groups including Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace along with Student Workers Union (SWU) by attorney Daniel Suhr on behalf of five Columbia students who claim their right to access campus should be upheld.
