April 29, 2024 - Columbia begins suspending student protesters (2024)

4:05 a.m. ET, April 30, 2024

Our live coverage of the protests has moved here.

3:14 a.m. ET, April 30, 2024

Columbia University protesters say they are occupying an academic building

From CNN's Melissa Alonso and JohnTowfighi

April 29, 2024 - Columbia begins suspending student protesters (1)

Dozens of Columbia University students are occupying Hamilton Hall, one of the campus buildings occupied during 1968 student protests, according to a social media post early Tuesday fromColumbia Students for Justice in Palestine.

Overnight, protesters on campus made their wayfrom the West Lawn encampment to Hamilton Hall, one of the main academic buildings for undergraduates.

A large group of protesters rallied in front of Hamilton Hall early Tuesday, chanting the call-and-response, "What do we want? Justice. When do we want it? Now."

Hours earlier, the university announced it had begun suspending students who refused to leave the encampment before a 2 p.m. Monday deadline set by the administration.

CNN has reachedout to Columbia University and the New York Police Department for more information.

2:19 a.m. ET, April 30, 2024

At least six protesters arrested at Tulane University in New Orleans

From CNN's Melissa Alonso

At least six protesters were arrested at Tulane University on Monday after tents were set up on the campus in New Orleans that day,a university public safety official said.

"Today, participants in a protest that was unregistered and unsanctioned by Tulane University stormed university property and erected tents on the edge of the lawn in front of Gibson Hall near the sidewalk,"said Kirk Bouyelas, Tulane's associate vice president for public safety.

After university police warned protesters not to enter school property, they began arresting people and clearing tents, Bouyelas said. He called it an "ongoing situation."

The protesters were arrested on suspicion of offenses including trespassing, battery on an officer and resisting arrest, according to Bouyelas.

"We are working with local law enforcement and government officials to resolve the situation. The safety and well-being of the members of the Tulane community is our top priority," he said.

2:14 a.m. ET, April 30, 2024

University ofWisconsin-Milwaukee warns that camping on campus is unlawful

From CNN's Elizabeth Wolfe and Melissa Alonso

April 29, 2024 - Columbia begins suspending student protesters (2)

The University ofWisconsin-Milwaukee warned protesters who established an encampment on its campus Monday that "camping on campus grounds is unlawful" and violates state code.

"The vast majority of protests on UWM’s campus during the last several months have been peaceful and lawful, and UWM is steadfast in respecting the right to free speech. At the same time, it is critical that we maintain a safe and welcoming environment for our students, employees and visitors," the school said in a release.

The university also reiterated its calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.

"We reiterate our call for an end to the violence by joining the White House and international leaders in calling for a release of the hostages and a ceasefire. We say this knowing that, as a public university, we have no direct ability to impact the outcomes of the war in Gaza."

The university said it has received a list of demands from protesters, which includes calls to suspend academic ties with Israeli institutions.

"While UWM does not have any active study abroad programs with universities in Israel, prohibiting faculty from engaging with any institution or country would infringe on their academic freedom. Although we understand the protesters’ desire for the safety and peace of all those in Gaza, stifling academic freedom or free speech would not accomplish that goal," the university said.

Amid widespread calls from US student protesters for their schools to divest from entities that profit from the war in Gaza, the school also said it "has no investments in weapons manufacturers."

Many of the concerns from protesters were addressed in meetings between students and administrators, the university said.

"We ask again that people respect each other’s diverse viewpoints as well as the laws so that we can all feel safe and welcome here," the school concluded in its statement.

11:47 p.m. ET, April 29, 2024

Video shows protesters being taken into custody at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond

From CNN's Jillian Sykes

April 29, 2024 - Columbia begins suspending student protesters (3)

Police in Richmond responded to protesters at Virginia Commonwealth University's campus Monday.

Video from CNN affiliate WWBT shows people being taken into custody.

Dozens of protesters gathered near the university’s library in an area they’ve called a “liberation zone,” according to WWBT. Video from the affiliate shows officers in riot gear apprehending individuals and throwing one person to the ground while shouting:“Stop resisting. You’re under arrest.”

In a statement to CNN, Virginia Commonwealth University said the gathering "violated several university policies."

“VCU respectfully and repeatedly provided opportunities for those individuals involved – many of whom were not students — to collect their belongings and leave. Those who did not leave were subject to arrest for trespassing,” the university said.

Both students and non-students were arrested and the university is dismantling the encampment, according to Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears. She noted a "significant number" of non-students were in the crowd. A Virginia State Police spokesperson said the department responded to the protest to assist campus police.

In a Monday evening advisory on its website, the university initially described the protests as "violent," but later removed the advisory language from its website and instead described the gathering as a "public assembly."

A university spokesperson declined to comment when asked about the change in language.

CNN’s Aaron Eggleston contributed to this report

10:48 p.m. ET, April 29, 2024

USC president says she is having vital talks with protest organizers

From CNN’s Stephanie Becker

University of Southern California PresidentCarol Folt said she met with student organizers of campus protests Monday, but conceded that no agreement has been reached.

“The students said at the end they wouldn't have considered this meeting a win from their perspective, and I can fully appreciate that,” Folt said in a statement. “For me, the most important point was that we were starting to talk, and I think that was vital. I felt like they were being honest and telling me how they felt, which was very meaningful.”

The meeting, which also included a faculty member, lasted about 90 minutes, the president said. Folt said she plans to meet with the group again tomorrow.

“I think we need to continue to have those conversations, and I'm pleased we all agree on that. We'll go day by day,” she said.

9:49 p.m. ET, April 29, 2024

Some UT-Austin protesters were arrested for trespassing and others for disorderly conduct, officials say

From CNN’s Ed Lavandera and Ashley Killough

Some of the pro-Palestinian demonstrators who were taken into custody at UT-Austin on Monday were arrested on suspicion of trespassing, while others are accused of disorderly conduct after refusing to disperse, university officials said in a statement.

Demonstrators set up an encampment that included a “barricade enclosure of tables secured by metal chains, and strategically placed tools, tents, and rocks,” the statement read.

Protesters “escalated” the situation, and in response, officials “took swift action to preserve a safe, conducive learning environment for our 53,000 students as they prepare for final exams,” according to the statement.

“UT Austin requested backup assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety to protect the safety of the campus community and enforce our Institutional Rules, such as the rule that prohibits encampments on campus,” officials explained. “Because of the encampments and other violations of the University’s Institutional Rules related to protests, protestors were told repeatedly to disperse.”

In a statement to CNN Monday, Travis County Attorney Delia Garza said she was concerned the protests on “could escalate and lead to more disruption and violence.”

“I have begun discussions with the University administration and am hopeful that a reasonable solution can be reached to ensure everyone involved is kept safe and their constitutional rights protected,” Garza said. “We will continue to collaborate with our partners and individually review each case that is presented to our office.”

8:55 p.m. ET, April 29, 2024

"They broke the rules." 9 arrested in University of Florida campus protests, school official says

From CNN’s Raja Razek

Nine people were arrested Monday evening at the University of Florida campus protests in Gainesville, Florida, according to Cynthia Roldán Hernández, UF director of public affairs.

"They knew the rules, they broke the rules, and they’ll face the consequences," Steve Orlando, UF spokesperson, said in a statement.
"For many days, we have patiently told protesters — many of whom are outside agitators — that they were able to exercise their right to free speech and free assembly," he said. "And we also told them that clearly prohibited activities would result in a trespassing order from UPD (barring them from all university properties for three years) and an interim suspension from the university."
"For days UPD patiently and consistently reiterated the rules," Orlando said. "Today, individuals who refused to comply were arrested after UPD gave multiple warnings and multiple opportunities to comply.”

CNN has reached out to the Gainesville Police Department for additional information.

9:02 p.m. ET, April 29, 2024

Dozens of protesters arrested at University of Texas at Austin, organizers say

From CNN’sEd Lavandera and Ashley Killough

April 29, 2024 - Columbia begins suspending student protesters (4)

Dozens of people were arrested Monday at a protest on the campus of University of Texas at Austin, according to the university’s Defend Palestine Encampment, who also alleged that officers used force to take people into custody.

The encampment was formed on the school’s South Mall Lawn around 12:30 p.m. CT, and around an hour later, officers from the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Austin Police Department and campus police responded wearing riot gear, a news release from organizers said.

“Around 40 people were arrested, with reports of police using flash bangs, mace, and other chemical munitions during the arrests,” the news release said.

The university is working on compiling information, including the number of people arrested, for a news release later Monday, saidBrian Davis, senior manager for issues and crisis communications at the university.

The Travis County Sheriff’s Office will not have a total number of arrests until Tuesday morning, spokesperson Kristen Dark told CNN.

CNN has reached out to the Department of Public Safety for comment.

"We demand that UT divest from the Zionist state of Israel and from all institutions and companies that are enabling the current genocide in Gaza … We demand the resignation of President (Jay) Hartzell for green-lighting the militarized repression of peaceful student protesters on their own campus,” Lenna Nasr, of the Palestinian Youth Movement, said in the news release.

CNN's Joe Suttonand Cindy Von Quednowcontributed to this report.

April 29, 2024 - Columbia begins suspending student protesters (2024)

FAQs

What happened at the Columbia University protest? ›

More than 100 protesters were arrested -- yet few injuries reported -- when NYPD officers in riot gear descended on Columbia University late Tuesday, using tactical strategies to clear the occupied Hamilton Hall and lawn encampment at the request of the college, as anti-war demonstrations at U.S. campuses reached an ...

When did the Columbia protest start in 2024? ›

2024 Columbia University pro-Palestinian campus occupation
DateApril 17–30, 2024 (1 week and 6 days)
LocationColumbia University, New York City, New York, United States 40°48′27″N 73°57′43″W
Caused byIsrael-Hamas war Opposition to Columbia University's investments in Israel
GoalsColumbia University's divestment from Israel
11 more rows

What happened at Columbia University in the spring of 1968? ›

In the spring of that year, a series of events – including the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – inflamed long-simmering tensions between students and school administrators and in April, the campus erupted as students occupied buildings during a “strike” that lasted more than a week.

What happened at Columbia University? ›

The initial protest at Columbia took place on April 17, when students set up an encampment in front of the Manhattan campus' Butler Library. The demonstration coincided with university President Nemat Shafik being called before Congress to be questioned about concerns over antisemitism at the school.

Why are students protesting at Columbia? ›

Part of the protesters' demands called for more transparency of Columbia's investment portfolio to be able to fully assess the university's ties to Israel and the war in Gaza. Less than 1% of the school's $13.6 billion endowment is publicly disclosed.

What were the reasons for the Columbia University protests? ›

There were multiple reasons. Some were protesting the university's connection to an institute doing weapon research for the Vietnam War; others opposed how the elite school treated Black and brown residents in the community around the school as well as the atmosphere for minority students.

When did the Columbia protests start? ›

The Protests > The First Day - April 23, 1968

SAS had always operated separately from SDS, but the two organizations came together on the issue of the gymnasium. Meeting on April 22, SAS president Cicero Wilson and SDS chairman Mark Rudd endorsed the Sun Dial Rally planned for the next day.

When did Columbia allow girls? ›

Barnard would gain more academic and administrative autonomy, and in exchange, Columbia would begin admitting women in the fall of 1983. The first coeducational class graduated from Columbia College on May 12, 1987, represented by a female valedictorian and salutatorian.

What president went to Columbia? ›

A total of four U.S. Presidents have been graduates of Columbia: Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Barack Obama.

Why was Columbia University renamed? ›

After an eight-year hiatus due to the American Revolution, the institution was renamed Columbia College in 1784 in patriotic reference to explorer Christopher Columbus; 112 years later, Columbia College would become Columbia University.

What was Columbia University old name? ›

Founded in 1754 as King's College, it was renamed Columbia College when it reopened in 1784 after the American Revolution. It became Columbia University in 1912.

When did Columbia University allow black students? ›

In as early as 1901, Black students began entering Teachers College, Columbia, coming from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the South, including Tuskegee, Saint Augustine's, and Howard University.

Is Columbia University still prestigious? ›

Columbia University ranking among Ivy League schools

However, according to US News for the 2022-2023 year, the Columbia University ranking in the world is highly competitive. The school sits in 7th place overall, trailing only one Ivy League school: Harvard University.

Why is Columbia University so prestigious? ›

Columbia University is known for its academic values and world-class researchers. Many of Columbia University's graduate programs consistently rank in the top 10 nationally for research productivity. In addition, the Columbia Clinical Innovation Lab drives inventive solutions in healthcare.

Is Columbia University still a good school? ›

Columbia University's ranking in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #12. Its tuition and fees are $65,524.

Why did Columbia University students protest in 1968? ›

Students and community supporters called for the university to cut its ties to research for the war in Vietnam and to end construction of a gym in Morningside Park.

What happened at Columbia University in NYC in 1968? ›

The Columbia protests erupted over the spring of that year after students discovered links between the university and the institutional apparatus supporting the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War, as well as their concern over an allegedly segregated gymnasium to be constructed in the nearby Morningside Park ...

What happened at Columbia University in 1968 and why was it significant? ›

Organizationally, the 1968 uprising was two protests in one, the result of an uneasy coalition between the Students' Afro-American Society (SAS) and the radicals organized through the Columbia chapter of Students for a Democratic Society (SDS).

What happened at Columbia University in 1968 quizlet? ›

What incited the various sit-ins and protests at Columbia University? How would you describe the make up of these protestors and what ultimately happened to them? They were protesting about anti-war and the school shut down for it. The protest got out of hand and the national guard was sent in.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Aron Pacocha

Last Updated:

Views: 5795

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (68 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Aron Pacocha

Birthday: 1999-08-12

Address: 3808 Moen Corner, Gorczanyport, FL 67364-2074

Phone: +393457723392

Job: Retail Consultant

Hobby: Jewelry making, Cooking, Gaming, Reading, Juggling, Cabaret, Origami

Introduction: My name is Aron Pacocha, I am a happy, tasty, innocent, proud, talented, courageous, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.