Barnard College Expels Students for Pro-Palestinian Protest
Introduction
Barnard College, an affiliate of Columbia University in New York City, has expelled two students and suspended a third for their involvement in a protest during a class session on the History of Modern Israel. The incident has sparked controversy and raised concerns about student activism and freedom of speech on campus.
The Protest and Student Expulsions
On the first day of spring semester classes, four students disrupted the history course, which is run by Columbia University. The students, two Barnard seniors and a Columbia University student, banged on drums and chanted "Free Palestine" while distributing flyers with the phrase "CRUSH ZIONISM" and an image of a boot crushing the Star of David.
Barnard College subsequently expelled the two senior students, while Columbia University suspended the third student and barred them from campus.
Response from Columbia University and Barnard College
Columbia University and Barnard College have condemned the protest and the students’ actions. In a statement, Columbia University President Lee Bollinger said that "the university has a deep commitment to freedom of expression, but that does not extend to hate speech or incitement to violence."
Barnard College President Laura Rosenbury stated that "as a matter of principle and policy, Barnard will always take decisive action to protect our community as a place where learning thrives, individuals feel safe, and higher education is celebrated." She added that "expulsion is always an extraordinary measure, but so too is our commitment to respect, inclusion, and the integrity of the academic experience."
Criticism from Student Group
The pro-Palestinian coalition Columbia University Apartheid Divest has criticized the expulsions and suspensions, calling them "a serious escalation in the crackdown" against student activism. The group plans to hold a "week of action" in response.
Context of Protests at Columbia University
The protest at Barnard College is part of a larger wave of student activism at Columbia University. Last spring, students built encampments and denounced Israel’s military response to Hamas. Over 100 Columbia students were arrested during campus demonstrations in April 2021.
Concerns about Student Activism and Free Speech
The Barnard College incident has raised concerns about the limits of student activism and free speech on campus. Critics have argued that the expulsions are a form of censorship and an attack on student dissent.
However, university administrators have maintained that they have a responsibility to protect the academic environment and ensure that students feel safe and respected.
Conclusion
The expulsions of students at Barnard College for their involvement in a pro-Palestinian protest have reignited the debate about student activism and free speech on campus. While student groups have condemned the university’s actions, administrators have defended their decision, citing their commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment. The incident is likely to continue to provoke discussion and controversy.
