(Scypre.com) – In a wave of escalating tensions tied to the ongoing Israeli conflict in Gaza, multiple U.S. college campuses have been engulfed in demonstrations and administrative actions. Columbia University, responding to the intensifying atmosphere, announced the transition of Monday’s in-person classes to a virtual format, with University President Minouche Shafik expressing her deep sadness over the unrest affecting the campus community.
The decision at Columbia was prompted in part by the actions of pro-Palestinian demonstrators who, just last week, were involved in significant protests that led to over a hundred arrests on the New York City campus. These demonstrators had established an encampment, echoing similar setups at other esteemed institutions including the University of Michigan, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the University of North Carolina.
The move to virtual learning coincides with the start of Passover, a major Jewish holiday, adding another layer of complexity to the campus dynamics. This was highlighted on Sunday when a local rabbi took the step of advising Jewish students via WhatsApp to vacate the campus if they felt unsafe.
In her statement to the Columbia community, President Shafik announced, “To deescalate the rancor and give us all a chance to consider next steps, all classes will be held virtually on Monday.” She emphasized the necessity for faculty and staff to work remotely if possible and advised non-residential students to stay off campus.
Shafik also commented on the broader implications of the Middle East conflict, acknowledging the “deep moral distress” felt by many and criticized efforts by any group to impose their views at the expense of the university’s functioning, particularly with important events like graduation on the horizon.
Meanwhile, Yale University has become another focal point of protest. Early Monday, New Haven police detained approximately 45 demonstrators who were accused of trespassing after they ignored multiple warnings to vacate Beinecke Plaza where they had been protesting throughout the weekend. Yale’s President Peter Salovey condemned the erection of structures and the flouting of university directives as creating safety hazards and obstructing the institution’s operations.
These demonstrators had been urging Yale to sever any financial ties with defense companies that conduct business with Israel, a demand articulated amid their setup of tents and continued presence in key campus locations.
In response to the ongoing protests, Yale officials, including President Salovey, engaged in prolonged discussions with protesters, ultimately setting a deadline for them to disperse. Despite this, a sizable group reconvened after the arrests, blocking a nearby street, although no violence or injuries were reported.
These incidents on various campuses reflect a broader, national response to the international crisis, mirroring the deep divisions and passionate advocacy seen globally. As universities continue to grapple with these challenges, Columbia’s President Shafik announced the formation of a working group comprising deans, administrators, and faculty to seek a resolution to the ongoing crisis, though no specific timeline for the resumption of in-person classes was provided.
In a related incident, the University of Southern California recently canceled a commencement speech by its valedictorian, a known supporter of Palestinians, citing security concerns. This decision has been both lauded and criticized, highlighting the charged atmosphere on campuses and the complex interplay between advocacy, safety, and freedom of speech.