Dozens of pro-Palestinian agitators are facing serious disciplinary consequences, including lengthy suspensions and permanent expulsions, after participating in both the violent takeover of Columbia University’s Butler Library this past May and the disruptive tent encampment from the previous spring, according to The New York Post.
Sources with knowledge of the university’s response revealed that over 70 students are being disciplined for their involvement in the library occupation on May 7 and the encampment protest that took place on the Morningside Heights campus in spring 2024.
Around two-thirds of the students will receive suspensions ranging from one to three years, most commonly two-year bans, the sources added.
The penalties were formally handed down on Monday after Columbia’s University Judicial Board concluded its investigation into the protests.
“Our institution must focus on delivering on its academic mission for our community. And to create a thriving academic community, there must be respect for each other and the institution’s fundamental work, policies, and rules,” a Columbia spokesperson said in a statement.
“Disruptions to academic activities are in violation of University policies and Rules, and such violations will necessarily generate consequences. The speed with which our updated UJB system has offered an equitable resolution to the community and students involved is a testament to the hard work of this institution to improve its processes.”
These disciplinary actions follow a wave of temporary suspensions issued in the immediate aftermath of the chaotic May 7 demonstration, when a crowd of protesters forced their way into Butler Library, disrupting students who were preparing for their finals.
Footage from the incident showed protesters wearing keffiyehs and chanting “Free, free Palestine” while banging drums and clapping in a show of defiance.
The group also vandalized parts of the library, taping over tables and plastering the space with Palestinian flags during the five-hour standoff.
Two public safety officers sustained injuries when demonstrators forced their way inside the building.
Columbia’s acting president Claire Shipman sharply criticized the mob’s actions at the time, stating that she had no alternative but to summon the NYPD to restore order.
Ultimately, police arrested numerous demonstrators, restraining them with zip ties before removing them from the scene.
{Matzav.com}
Ah, no biggie. Alvin Bragg will make sure all these penalties are reversed.
And then they will in turn sue the university for interfering in their right of free speech. Witness Mahmoud Khalil, who turned around and sued after he was released.