Columbia University has placed a temporary suspension on 65 students linked to recent protests that involved taking over a campus building and distributing pamphlets honoring alleged terrorists. This event unfolded at Butler Library, where protesters renamed the space “Basel Al-Aladi’s Popular University.” According to the NYPD, around 80 individuals were arrested—19 men and 61 women. Of these, 78 received desk appearance tickets for criminal trespassing, while two were issued subpoenas.
Authorities noted that Homeland Security investigations are looking into the visa statuses of those arrested. Besides the student suspensions, Columbia has also barred an unspecified number of graduates from campus, in addition to 33 from affiliated institutions.
The Columbia Teacher Rights Group criticized how the university managed library acquisitions, calling it indicative of “The Spirit of Authoritarianism.”
During the occupation, students were reportedly studying for final exams when the protest escalated. The demonstrators chanted “free Palestine” and pressured the university to divest from Israel. Some protesters climbed onto tables within the library.
The pamphlets circulated during the demonstrations celebrated Basel Al-Aladi, who is accused of planning attacks in Israel. Al-Araj, killed by Israeli Defense Forces in 2017, was said to have overseen a terrorist cell and was allegedly involved in procuring weapons.
Al-Araj was shot after allegedly firing on Israeli authorities during an attempted arrest.
Protesters aimed to draw attention to their cause, emphasizing that their education should support liberation rather than oppression. The pamphlet mentioned that the popular university concept is about sharing untold stories and mutual support.
Columbia’s acting president, Claire Shipman, expressed outrage over the storming of the library and the injuries sustained by two university police officers amidst the chaos. She strongly condemned the actions of the protesters, labeling the disruptions unacceptable, particularly during a critical study period.
Shipman reaffirmed Columbia’s stance against anti-Semitism and any violence, emphasizing the need for a respectful academic environment.
