Columbia President shifts to virtual classes due to disruptive pro-Palestinian protests

Columbia University President Minouche Shafik announced a shift to virtual classes on Monday due to campus unrest following clashes between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel protesters.

Shafik issued the announcement early Monday, citing a need to “deescalate the rancor” and “reset.” Last week, more than 100 students at Columbia University and Barnard College were arrested for being involved with a “Gaza Solidarity Encampment,” which escalated into antisemitic incidents across the New York City campuses.

“We need a reset,” Shafik said. “To deescalate the rancor and give us all a chance to consider next steps, I am announcing that all classes will be held virtually on Monday.”

She also condemned the antisemitic rhetoric used by the protesters.

“Over the past days, there have been too many examples of intimidating and harassing behavior on our campus. Antisemitic language, like any other language that is used to hurt and frighten people, is unacceptable and appropriate action will be taken,” she said.

Last week, Shafik called upon the New York City Police Department to sweep the encampment, and 108 people were arrested, which resulted in solidarity groups outside the campus gates. Over the weekend, pro-Israel demonstrations were met with antisemitic behavior from some pro-Palestinian groups.

According to the Columbia Spectator, one person held a sign with “Al-Qasam’s Next Targets” written on it and arrows pointing to the pro-Israel group. Outside the campus gates, some protesters were recorded saying, “We say justice, you say how? Burn Tel Aviv to the ground.”

As a result, Rabbi Elie Buechler of Columbia University issued a statement urging Jewish students to go home in the wake of the on-campus protests.

“The events of the last few days, especially last night, have made it clear that Columbia University’s Public Safety and the NYPD cannot guarantee Jewish students’ safety in the face of extreme antisemitism and anarchy,” Buechler wrote. “It deeply pains me to say that I would strongly recommend you return home as soon as possible and remain home until the reality in and around campus has dramatically improved.”

In his statement for Passover, President Joe Biden condemned the behavior on campus. He reinforced his “ironclad” commitment to Jewish Americans and Israel.

“Silence is complicity. Even in recent days, we’ve seen harassment and calls for violence against Jews. This blatant antisemitism is reprehensible and dangerous — and it has absolutely no place on college campuses or anywhere in our country,” Biden said.

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On Sunday, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), who has been critical of Ivy League presidents, including during the 2023 congressional hearing on antisemitism on campus and last week’s hearing with Shafik, called on Columbia University’s president to resign.

“It is crystal clear that Columbia University — previously a beacon of academic excellence founded by Alexander Hamilton — needs new leadership. President Shafik must immediately resign. And the Columbia Board must appoint a President who will protect Jewish students and enforce school policies,” Stefanik wrote on X.