Columbia University has now reportedly taken disciplinary action against students involved in the occupation of Hamilton Hall in spring 2024, resulting in suspensions, expulsions, and temporary revocations of degrees.
The university announced these sanctions but did not disclose the identities or number of affected students.
The Columbia University Judicial Board determined the penalties following the students’ involvement in protests that escalated after the October 7, 2023, attack on Israeli citizens by Hamas.
The protests at Columbia included anti-Israel demonstrations, during which some students were accused of harassing Jewish peers and vandalizing university property.
Reports indicated that during the occupation of Hamilton Hall, a janitor was allegedly held hostage by a group of students.
Mario Torres, a father of two who works at the university, expressed fear about returning to campus after the incident, emphasizing that the responsibility lies with the university rather than public safety officials.
He recounted feeling abandoned during the protests, which he described as chaotic and threatening.
In response to the protests and the university’s handling of the situation, the Trump administration launched an investigation and announced plans to withdraw approximately $400 million in federal grants to Columbia due to its inadequate response to anti-Semitic harassment faced by Jewish students.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon criticized the university’s inaction, stating that Jewish students have experienced ongoing intimidation and violence on campus.
Following these developments, Columbia has begun efforts to restore its funding while maintaining its commitment to enforcing university policies and improving its disciplinary processes.
The situation highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding campus protests and the administration’s response to student actions.
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