Pro-Palestinian campus protests escalate across U.S., leading to multiple arrests at NYU

The tension between protesters and authorities at New York University (NYU) has escalated, with the police ready to remove protesters at the university’s request. The New York Police Department (NYPD) deputy commissioner shared a letter from NYU asking for the removal of Gaza war protesters who refused to leave the campus. Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry stated that the NYPD stands ready to address these illegal actions whenever called upon.

During the removal of protesters at NYU’s Gould Plaza, multiple individuals were taken into custody by the police. The exact number of arrests and charges were not immediately available. NYU had given the protesters until 4 p.m. to leave, citing disorderly and disruptive behavior that interfered with the safety and security of the community.

Meanwhile, at Columbia University, classes on the main campus will continue to be offered in a hybrid format until the end of the spring semester. This decision comes amidst demonstrations over the war in Gaza, with over 100 people being arrested last week after protesters occupied a space on campus for more than 30 hours.

The situation at both NYU and Columbia reflects the ongoing tensions surrounding the Gaza conflict, with authorities and university officials working to maintain order and ensure the safety of the campus community. The actions taken by both institutions highlight the challenges of balancing free speech rights with maintaining a secure and inclusive campus environment.