Columbia University President Minouche Shafik recently released a letter addressing the campus community after police cleared the school grounds of protests. In the letter, Shafik highlighted the 'drastic escalation' of the months-long protests that had pushed the University to the brink.
Shafik expressed concerns about the disruptive environment created by the protests, stating that they raised safety risks to an intolerable level. With the support of the University's Board of Trustees, Shafik made the decision to request intervention from the New York City Police Department to end the protests, particularly the occupation of Columbia's Hamilton Hall and the encampments.
During a news conference, the NYPD reported that approximately 300 protesters were arrested overnight at Columbia University and City College of New York. Shafik conveyed her deep sadness over the turn of events, apologizing for reaching such a point.
Shafik noted that administrators had been patient in tolerating unauthorized demonstrations, including the encampment, but after eight days of negotiations with academic leaders yielded no resolution, the decision was made to intervene.
Looking ahead, Shafik emphasized the need for healing and restoring calm on campus. She expressed hope that the coming weeks would allow students to complete their academic work and be honored at Commencement. The university has requested the presence of the NYPD on campus to ensure public safety until May 17.
