Columbia University President Minoush Shafiq has broken his silence days after the New York City Police Department (NYPD) raided a group of pro-Palestinian protesters who had occupied a university building.
in video In a post Friday afternoon on he added.
Shafik’s words came as New York City police officers in riot gear attacked anti-Israel demonstrators who had occupied Hamilton Hall early Tuesday morning, smashing the building’s glass doors and forcing their way inside. The attack came after barricades were brought in and pro-Palestinian banners were hung in windows. .
“The last two weeks have been one of the most difficult in Colombia’s history. Chaos, tension, division and confusion have affected the entire community,” Shafik began. “You, our students, have paid an especially high price. You have spent your final days in the classroom and in your dormitory. As a fourth-year student, you are graduating from college in the first way possible: online. It will be.”
Message from President Shafik. pic.twitter.com/zd8i2DE4wp
— Columbia University (@Columbia) May 3, 2024
Shafik went on to add that the vast majority of demonstrators who took part in the protests were “largely peaceful and deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” adding that university officials said they had been in the midst of protests for several days. “I have tried to show a sincere attitude,” he explained. And that’s a good suggestion. ”
“A group of protesters crossed a new red line by occupying Hamilton Hall,” Shafik continued. “This was an act of violence that not only endangered the protesters, but also endangered the students. As I walked through the building, the damage was extensive and it was very tragic.”
On April 17, the first anti-Israel camp was set up at Columbia University. The next day, several students were suspended and hundreds of protesters were arrested for participating in the camp.
While the university removed the first encampment, another encampment sprang up in its place and remained in place until the NYPD raided Columbia University.
Anti-Israel encampments and protests have occurred on college campuses across the country, including George Washington University, Harvard University, Princeton University, Rutgers University, and the University of Southern California.
Shafik said each person “has a role to play in restoring the values of truth and civil debate that polarization has seriously damaged.”
“I am confident that together we can break down these barriers. As many of you know, I was born in the Middle East and come from a Muslim family with many Jewish and Christian friends. I grew up inside,” Shafik added.
Shafiq explained that although Columbia University is a “remarkable institution,” it cannot solve problems related to anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim bias, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“What we can do is set an example for a better world, where people with different opinions behave civilly, recognize each other’s humanity, and show empathy and compassion for each other,” Shafiq added. “We have a lot of work to do, and I am committed to working with you every day to rebuild our campus community.”
