Last week’s efforts by anti-Israel protesters to take over Columbia University’s library were quickly thwarted by law enforcement. Students on campus are feeling a mix of confusion and concern, especially in light of last year’s turmoil, which many believe should not be repeated under the new university administration.
After the protest, I found myself feeling quite anxious outside the university. Most students seemed on edge, shuffling through security checkpoints at the main entrance as they headed to their classes. There were no political banners or Palestinian flags in sight, and only a few students donned the traditional Kefiyeh scarf, often worn to show support for Palestinians.
One person I talked to mentioned that things had shifted noticeably.
Dozens of anti-Israel protesters were arrested after attempting to storm Columbia’s library during finals week. Dorima’s Hermany Cruz Bustamante expressed to me how frightening it felt, noting that the atmosphere shifted dramatically the previous night.
She shared that there’s a collective awareness among students that certain topics are being avoided out of fear of being questioned or detained by authorities. Many feel the university has shown a lack of concern for their emotional well-being.
Cruz Bustamante, along with others, voiced support for the protestors while also criticizing the aggressive methods used by NYPD and campus police. It was made clear weeks prior that illegal protests would face swift action, especially after a significant federal funding cut by the Trump administration.
This warning came to fruition when anti-Israel protesters entered Butler Library, prompting the NYPD to arrest 80 individuals, with reports indicating that over half of those detained were Columbia students.
Trying to elicit student opinions about the protests proved somewhat difficult.
Many international students, making up about 38% of the student body, were hesitant to speak openly due to potential visa risks associated with their involvement. Mahmoud Khalil, a protester who faced previous detainment, exemplifies this fear.
Among non-international students, the reactions varied widely. Elias Tauri, a political science major, admired the protesters’ cause but struggled with their methods. He mentioned confusion and noted how students were pushed to the ground, suggesting that while there are better ways to protest, frustration is driving them to act as they do.
Another student criticized the university for not living up to its espoused values of freedom and justice, implying that while they teach these principles, they seem to bow to authority.
Conversely, Rose Meyer expressed that those who break school policies should face consequences, acknowledging the complex situation in Gaza while suggesting a need for a different approach to advocacy.
Last year’s campus protests saw chaotic clashes between students and police, with hundreds arrested amid escalating tensions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Some argue that criticisms of the protests stem from an anti-Israel sentiment, while defenders claim they seek to curb Israeli aggression.
Another student, PJ, noted the potential for this week’s disruptions to serve as a turning point, urging the university to facilitate a dialogue among students.
There’s a palpable sense of sadness and frustration as students juggle academics alongside their beliefs and values. Some international students, wary of repercussions, opted out of interviews.
As per university data, a significant portion of students, approximately 13,750, are international, representing over 145 different countries. One Italian student mentioned the protest methods were misguided, highlighting the importance of remaining uninvolved in heated debates.
Daniel David, an Israeli freshman in computer science, expressed skepticism about the protesters’ grasp on the situation, questioning how they could claim understanding without firsthand experience.
Some students are keen to avoid the chaos witnessed last year, stressing the importance of public dialogue instead of disruption. Antonio da Porto noted that while expressing opinions is vital, it shouldn’t endanger the education and futures of others. He suggested that the actions of a small group do not reflect a broader systemic issue.
