NEW YORK — Protesters set up a new encampment on the Columbia University campus Friday, but video posted on social media showed security dismantled it.
The Columbia student newspaper reported that about two dozen protesters set up tents on the South Lawn.
This happened just as the school’s annual alumni reunion weekend was getting underway. There has been no news of arrests.
A Columbia spokesperson said in a statement Friday: “We are aware of the encampment set up this evening and are monitoring the situation. We remain committed to organizing a successful weekend for our alumni. »
The university’s 2024 Homecoming weekend began Thursday and continued Friday. Events are scheduled on campus all day Saturday.
Past protests at Columbia University
Pro-Palestinian protesters Camped on the main school lawn for about two weeks in Aprilcalling on Colombia to divest from companies doing business with Israel.
Discussions between school officials and student protest organizers continued throughout the occupation, but were ultimately successful. It broke down and the students had to take down their tents.. The demonstrators then forced their way into Hamilton HallAnd The President of Colombia, Dr. Minouche Shafik called the police clear the building and dismantle the camps on April 30.
On 100 people were arrested. Police say 29% of those arrested were not affiliated with the school.
Columbia University cancels its main academic year
The dismantling of the encampment took place just days before Columbia’s main commencement ceremony, on the same lawn where the students occupied.
Colombia Later its main launch was canceled, citing security concerns. Instead, Dozens of small ceremonies took place for each school May 10-15, including at the Baker Athletics Complex in Inwood and the Armory in Washington Heights.