Barnard College Faces Fallout from Pro-Palestinian Sit-In
Barnard College, a women’s college affiliated with Columbia University, is grappling with the aftermath of a pro-Palestinian student demonstration that escalated into a sit-in within an academic building on Wednesday evening. The event, which lasted for several hours, involved a large group of protesters who voiced demands related to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and disciplinary actions taken against students involved in prior demonstrations.
The sit-in commenced Wednesday evening as demonstrators, many of whom were wearing masks and keffiyehs, a traditional Palestinian scarf, entered an administrative building. Video footage circulated online showed the protesters chanting slogans through megaphones, banging drums, and clapping. Palestinian flags were prominently displayed, alongside graffiti that expressed support for Palestine and criticized the college’s administration. One particularly inflammatory message targeted Barnard College directly.
According to a statement issued by a Barnard spokesperson, the incident resulted in one school employee being physically assaulted and requiring hospitalization. Details regarding the nature and severity of the assault remain unclear. This alleged act of violence has significantly heightened concerns about the safety and well-being of the college community.
The group responsible for organizing the sit-in, Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine, claimed that over 50 students participated in the demonstration at its peak. Their demands included amnesty for students who have faced disciplinary action for their pro-Palestinian activism, a public meeting with Barnard’s dean and president, and the reversal of the expulsions of two students.
These demands stem from recent disciplinary actions taken against two Barnard students, both nearing the completion of their undergraduate studies. These students were expelled the previous week for disrupting a session of the class "History of Modern Israel." This disciplinary measure has been a major catalyst for student unrest and has fueled accusations of the college suppressing pro-Palestinian voices.
Barnard College officials issued a warning to the protesters, stating that they needed to vacate the building by 9:30 p.m. or face further action to protect the campus. Vice President for Strategic Communications Robin Levine issued a statement emphasizing that the college would take necessary measures to ensure safety if the protesters did not comply.
Ultimately, the student coalition dispersed shortly after midnight. They reported having scheduled a meeting with administrators for Thursday afternoon. However, Levine clarified that the protesters did not receive any promises of amnesty or negotiated concessions in exchange for ending the sit-in. The college did not immediately confirm the status of the scheduled meeting.
The sit-in at Barnard has drawn a range of reactions, from condemnation to expressions of solidarity with the protesters’ cause. Advocates for free speech have emphasized the importance of protecting students’ right to protest peacefully, even on contentious issues. However, they have also stressed that such protests should not involve violence, misconduct, or criminal behavior.
Alex Morey, Vice President of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, stated that the events at Barnard were "by all accounts, not peaceful protest." She emphasized the need for campuses to support peaceful student protest while maintaining zero tolerance for actions that cross the line.
Pro-Israel organizations have voiced strong criticism of the sit-in, characterizing it as a manifestation of antisemitism. Sacha Roytman Dratwa, CEO of the Combat Antisemitism Movement, described the protest as "a disturbing act of antisemitism." He warned that if Barnard’s leadership yields to the protesters’ demands, it would send a message that Jewish lives are not valued and would legitimize violence against Jews.
Barnard President Laura Rosenbury addressed the situation in a statement issued after the demonstrators had left. She asserted that the protesters had "attempted to undermine Barnard’s core values of respect, inclusion, and academic excellence." She further stated that their "disregard for the safety of our community remains completely unacceptable."
The events at Barnard reflect a broader trend of heightened tensions and activism on college campuses across the United States related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Columbia University, in particular, has been a focal point for pro-Palestinian demonstrations since last spring, with over 100 students arrested on campus in April.
The situation at Barnard remains fluid. The college administration is facing pressure from various stakeholders to address the concerns raised by the protesters while also ensuring the safety and security of the campus community. The potential for further protests and disruptions remains a significant concern. The college’s response to this incident will likely set a precedent for how it handles similar situations in the future. Furthermore, it could influence how other colleges and universities navigate the complexities of balancing free speech, student activism, and the need to maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the campus community.
