WikiCU - User contributions [en]

Primal scream

2025-05-22T02:47:05Z

Mmd900:

[[Image:TheScream.jpg|thumb|150px|''The'' Scream]]

'''Primal scream''' is an end-of-semester tradition, not to be confused with the [[w:Primal Scream|Scottish alternative rock group of the same name]]. It takes place before the first Friday of exams and before the last week of [[finals|final exams]]. Students come out of their studying holes, open their room windows, and release their stress with howls of anguish and frustration. The screaming lasts up to 5 minutes and can be heard throughout the [[Morningside Heights campus|campus]]. Primal screams are not unique to Columbia and are known to exist at [[w:Dead week|other colleges]].

The origins of the scream are unknown, but has been confirmed by neighborhood residents to date back at least to 1872 (edit: this is assuming it took a random hiatus between fall 1983 and spring 1987, since it did not in fact happen those years...)

Since [[2006]], the spring-semester primal scream has coincided with and signaled the beginning of the [[Spring Pillow Fight]].

In 2005, [[NPR]]'s [[Soterios Johnson]] CC '90 presented a brief piece on the event, including a recording of the screaming.[http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4648537]

During Fall 2010 to Spring 2014, the Primal Scream was actually a piece composed by [[Solomon Hoffman]] in which he successfully created a 5000 part harmony.

In Spring 2024, the primal scream took place outside [[President's House]] during popular dissatisfaction with [[Minouche Shafik]]'s handling of campus protests around the 2023 Israel-Hamas War[https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel%E2%80%93Hamas_war]

== External links ==
*Johnson, Soterios (May 11, 2005). [http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4648537 Spring Scream at Columbia] (Real Audio, Windows Media Player). [[w:All Things Considered|All Things Considered]]. [[National Public Radio]].
* Bwog posts about primal screams:
:* [http://bwog.com/2013/05/12/break-the-tension/ The Official Guide reposted every semester]
:* [http://www.bwog.net/index.php?page=post&article_id=3629 Spring 2007]
:* [http://www.bwog.net/publicate/index.php?page=post&article_id=4827 Fall 2007], [http://www.bwog.net/publicate/index.php?page=post&article_id=4828 Fall 2007]
:* [http://www.bwog.net/articles/reminder_pillow_fight Spring 2008]
:* [http://bwog.com/2010/12/20/primal-screamers/ Fall 2010]
:* [http://bwog.com/2011/05/09/primal-scream-redux/ Spring 2011], [http://bwog.com/2011/05/09/primal-screampillow-fight-2011/ Spring 2011]
* [http://eternalmiserablesuffering.blogspot.com/2007/05/primal-scream-is-retarded.html Eternal, Miserable Suffering: "Primal Scream" Is Retarded]

[[Category:Traditions]]

Occupation of Butler Library 2025

2025-05-08T04:45:51Z

Mmd900:

The Occupation of Butler Library refers to a pro-Palestinian protest that took place on May 7, 2025, at Columbia University in New York City. The demonstration involved the takeover of Reading Room 301 in Butler Library by protesters advocating for Columbia’s divestment from companies tied to Israel. The event led to a large police response, temporary changes to campus access, and dozens of arrests.

== History ==

The protest was organized in the context of ongoing student-led activism in support of Palestinian rights and demands for university divestment from Israel following the start of the Gaza war. One year prior, the [[Gaza Solidarity Encampment]] was erected with a similar goal.

== Events ==

At approximately 3:15 PM on May 7, 2025, over 100 individuals entered Butler Library’s main reading room on the third floor. According to reports, protesters pushed past a Public Safety officer and bypassed standard ID scanning procedures. Inside, they displayed Palestinian flags, wore keffiyehs, and declared the renamed space the Basel Al-Araj Popular University, referencing a Palestinian activist.

An hour later, Columbia University’s Office of Public Affairs issued a statement condemning the “disruption” and warning of arrests and disciplinary consequences. Protesters who attempted to leave claimed they were not permitted to exit unless they identified themselves. Students outside Butler Library began chanting in support of those inside, including, “Let them out” and “Israel bombs, Columbia pays.”

At around 5:37 PM, a fire alarm went off inside the building, but those inside stated that Public Safety officers blocked evacuation. Shortly after, some individuals exited through the emergency door.

By 7:06 PM, NYPD officers began gathering outside the 114th Street entrance. Around 7:26 PM, groups of protesters were escorted out of the building and taken to a correctional bus. Arrests continued for about one hour. Protesters and onlookers outside the barricaded area chanted slogans criticizing the police. At approximately 7:35 PM, Acting President Claire Shipman released a statement citing the presence of non-affiliates, safety concerns, and injuries sustained by two Columbia Public Safety officers during an attempted forced entry.

== Aftermath ==
In response to the occupation, guest access to campus was suspended for May 8, including access for students’ pre-registered visitors and alumni. Only faculty-invited guests were permitted entry under special conditions.

Later that evening, Columbia College and Columbia Engineering issued an email to undergraduates acknowledging the academic and personal impact of the protest. The message encouraged affected students to seek support through the Berick Center for Student Advising, Counseling and Psychological Services, and other university resources.

== References ==
*[https://bwog.com/2025/05/pro-palestinian-protesters-occupy-butler-dozens-of-arrests-made/ Pro Palestinian Protesters Occupy Butler, Dozens Of Arrests Made]

Occupation of Butler Library 2025

2025-05-08T04:43:43Z

Mmd900: Created page with "The Occupation of Butler Library refers to a pro-Palestinian protest that took place on May 7, 2025, at Columbia University in New York City. The demonstration involved the ta..."

The Occupation of Butler Library refers to a pro-Palestinian protest that took place on May 7, 2025, at Columbia University in New York City. The demonstration involved the takeover of Reading Room 301 in Butler Library by protesters advocating for Columbia’s divestment from companies tied to Israel. The event led to a large police response, temporary changes to campus access, and dozens of arrests.

== History ==

The protest was organized in the context of ongoing student-led activism in support of Palestinian rights and demands for university divestment from Israel following the start of the Gaza war.

== Events ==

At approximately 3:15 PM on May 7, 2025, over 100 individuals entered Butler Library’s main reading room on the third floor. According to reports, protesters pushed past a Public Safety officer and bypassed standard ID scanning procedures. Inside, they displayed Palestinian flags, wore keffiyehs, and declared the renamed space the Basel Al-Araj Popular University, referencing a Palestinian activist.

An hour later, Columbia University’s Office of Public Affairs issued a statement condemning the “disruption” and warning of arrests and disciplinary consequences. Protesters who attempted to leave claimed they were not permitted to exit unless they identified themselves. Students outside Butler Library began chanting in support of those inside, including, “Let them out” and “Israel bombs, Columbia pays.”

At around 5:37 PM, a fire alarm went off inside the building, but those inside stated that Public Safety officers blocked evacuation. Shortly after, some individuals exited through the emergency door.

By 7:06 PM, NYPD officers began gathering outside the 114th Street entrance. Around 7:26 PM, groups of protesters were escorted out of the building and taken to a correctional bus. Arrests continued for about one hour. Protesters and onlookers outside the barricaded area chanted slogans criticizing the police. At approximately 7:35 PM, Acting President Claire Shipman released a statement citing the presence of non-affiliates, safety concerns, and injuries sustained by two Columbia Public Safety officers during an attempted forced entry.

== Aftermath ==
In response to the occupation, guest access to campus was suspended for May 8, including access for students’ pre-registered visitors and alumni. Only faculty-invited guests were permitted entry under special conditions.

Later that evening, Columbia College and Columbia Engineering issued an email to undergraduates acknowledging the academic and personal impact of the protest. The message encouraged affected students to seek support through the Berick Center for Student Advising, Counseling and Psychological Services, and other university resources.

== References ==
*[https://bwog.com/2025/05/pro-palestinian-protesters-occupy-butler-dozens-of-arrests-made/ Pro Palestinian Protesters Occupy Butler, Dozens Of Arrests Made]

Gaza Solidarity Encampment

2025-05-08T04:41:19Z

Mmd900:

{{wp-also2|2024 Columbia University pro-Palestinian campus occupation}}

The '''Gaza Solidarity Encampment''' of [[2024]] has been the most significant of the [[protests]] that have taken place on Columbia's [[Morningside campus]] to express support for Palestinians, condemn Israel's occupation of the Gaza strip, and demand the school's divestment from Israel following the Israel-Hamas war that started on October 7th, [[2023]]. Starting on [[April 17]], 2024, this protest was special because it took the form of an encampment where students planned to stay in tents day and night on the eastern part of [[South Lawn]] until the school met their demands. The encampment was disrupted on [[April 18]] when President [[Minouche Shafik]] authorized the [[NYPD]] to take action, but quickly was reestablished on the western part of the lawn. However, the protest escalated with the occupation of [[Hamilton Hall]] on the night of [[April 29]] and the NYPD was again called in the next night to clear both the encampment and the occupation.

=Timeline=

==April 17: The Beginning==

===Around 4 AM===
Approximately 50 tents were set up on East South Lawn. Protestors put up banners reading "Gaza Solidarity Encampment" and "Liberated Zone". A substantial NYPD presence was noted outside the university as soon as the encampment had been established.

===Morning-Noon===
Columbia President [[Minouche Shafik]] testified in the [[Congress|Congressional]] House of Representatives antisemitism probe [https://bwog.com/2024/04/columbia-president-minouche-shafik-testifies-before-congress-in-antisemitism-hearing/]. Her testimony, which sought to establish that she would be tougher on antisemitism (which was very broadly defined by members of the House as potentially including criticism of Israel) than it was perceived other [[Ivy League]] presidents had been, in retrospect set the tone for a harsh response on the protests that was later to take place.

===Evening===
The university begins handing out formal letters informing the students participating in the protest that if they do not stop immediately, they will be subject to sanctions up to and including suspension from the school.

==April 18: First arrests and reestablishment of the encampment==

In a letter, Shafik authorizes the [[NYPD]] to intervene. Starting at around 1PM, the NYPD's [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City_Police_Department_Strategic_Response_Group NYPD's Strategic Response Group] enters the encampment and begins arresting protesters who refuse to leave. A group of Jewish counterprotesters congregated to celebrate the university's response, waving American and Israeli flags. A protest on 114th Street and Amsterdam Avenue formed, but was dispersed to allow buses with detained protesters to exit. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators recovered signage and repitched several tents. After many arrests, the lawn was cleared and obstacles were placed down by the university, presumably to prevent another encampment.

Protesters soon begin gathering on West South Lawn, continuing to chant in support of Palestine and waiving flag, but without setting up tents.

Most exterior campus gates are closed, and Public Safety Officers guard remaining entrances and restrict campus access to [[CUID]] holders. A similar practice was observed during earlier protests, but the number of open gates is now significantly lower.

In a press conference, NYC Mayor [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Adams Eric Adams], alongside top New York Police Department officials, announces that police made more than 108 arrests during the sweep of the encampment.

At around 7:30 PM, the [[Student Affairs Committee]] sends out an email to all students, condemning the university's decision to bring police onto campus.

==April 19==
Protesters remained on West South Lawn.

At around 1:30 PM, University Senator Jalaj Mehta sent out an email "In collaboration with several Columbia University Student Senators" to all students, condemning the university's decision to bring police onto campus.

At around 5:45 PM, Assistant Director of Student Engagement Julia Dooley announced the cancellation of the Activities Fair scheduled for Sunday, April 21st as part of the annual [[Days on Campus]] event.

Later that day, Columbia begins issuing formal notices of interim suspension to students having participated in the encampment.

==April 20-28: Negotiations==

Negotiations with the administration took place over potential divestment or actions that could be taken in lieu of it.

During this period, major politicians also arrived on campus to engage with protesters or condemn them, including the Speaker of the House, who gave a speech on the [[Low Steps]], to many boos.

==April 29: Occupation of Hamilton==

Shafik announced that negotiations failed. That night, students occupied [[Hamilton Hall]], in a major escalation of the protests, renaming it "Hind's Hall" after a Palestinian girl who had been killed in the Gaza war. They barricaded the doors of the hall and unfurled banners that hung from the building. A second encampment was also established on [[Lewisohn]] Lawn.

==April 30: Police clear the protests==

Hamilton remained occupied during the day. A protester displayed a Palestinian flag to crowds on [[Amsterdam Avenue]] below, as those not living on campus had been locked out. They also used a pulley system to bring in food.

During this time, the university closed access to campus to those who did not live in the university dorms that were only accessible from it or who were essential workers.

By night, the university authorized [[NYPD]] to come back to campus. The police cleared Hamilton, entering both by making their way through the barricaded front door and using a truck equipped with a ladder to enter through an upper story window on Amsterdam. There were reports of violent acts committed during the clearance, including throwing one protester down a set of stairs and firing a gun.

The police also removed the encampment. Many students were arrested during these actions, and some non-students were found among their ranks.

It is difficult to confirm everything that took place during the actions as bystanders on campus, including media, were confined inside buildings for hours during the police action. The police later released their own video of the action.

=Reaction and effects=

In the immediate aftermath of the protests, the police and other actors made claims that outsiders were involved in their planning and execution that were hotly debated. The police also made some widely-ridiculed claims about supposedly nefarious objects they had found inside Hamilton, including a chain (which turned out to be from a bike lock sold by the university itself) and a copy of "A Very Short Introduction to Terrorism," which a police spokesperson appeared to believe was an instruction manual.

The [[Morningside Heights campus]] was also sealed off after the event, to much controversy. [[University Commencement]] was completely canceled and [[Class Day]]s were moved to the [[Baker Athletic Complex]]. Pass/fail grading options were offered.

More broadly, the Columbia Gaza protests garnered significant national attention. The police clearances of the protests also garnered significant national media attention. There has been significant controversy and comparisons to the legendary [[1968 protests]], which similarly ended with forceful police action. There is ongoing debate over whether the protests and police action will have an impact on Columbia's reputation, and what it might be. Some donors, such as [[Robert Kraft]], suspended contributions.

The Columbia protests were among the first such actions on a university campus to garner such attention and similar themes involving the establishment of encampments, building occupations, and police action characterized Gaza protests across the country and even world.

In August, President Shafik resigned in the wake of pressures surrounding the protest.

=Sources=
*[https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/columbia-university-protests-israel-gaza-campus.html?utm_medium=s1&utm_campaign=nym&utm_source=tw A history of the protest from New York Magazine, as compiled by Spectator journalists]
*[https://bwog.com/2024/04/students-construct-gaza-solidarity-encampment-occupying-east-butler-lawn-in-support-of-palestine/ Students Construct Gaza Solidarity Encampment, Occupying East Butler Lawn In Support Of Palestine - Bwog]
*[https://bwog.com/2024/04/columbia-president-minouche-shafik-testifies-before-congress-in-antisemitism-hearing/ Columbia President Minouche Shafik Testifies Before Congress In Antisemitism Hearing - Bwog]
*[https://www.cnn.com/business/live-news/columbia-antisemitism-house-testimony/index.html Columbia University president testifies in House antisemitism probe - CNN]
*[https://bwog.com/2024/04/live-updates-gaza-solidarity-encampment-day-14/ Live Updates: Gaza Solidarity Encampment Day 14 - Bwog]
*[https://bwog.com/2024/05/live-updates-gaza-solidarity-encampment-day-15/ Live Updates: Gaza Solidarity Encampment Day 15 - Bwog]
*[https://www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2024/04/19/days-on-campus-programming-limited-following-on-campus-protests-arrests/ ‘Days on Campus’ programming limited following on-campus protests, arrests - Columbia Daily Spectator]
*[https://www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2024/04/19/columbia-begins-formally-notifying-students-of-suspension-for-participation-in-wednesdays-gaza-solidarity-encampment/ Columbia begins formally notifying students of suspension for participation in Wednesday’s ‘Gaza Solidarity Encampment’ - Columbia Daily Spectator]

[[Category: Protests]]

Gaza Solidarity Encampment

2025-05-08T04:35:51Z

Mmd900:

{{wp-also2|2024 Columbia University pro-Palestinian campus occupation}}

The '''Gaza Solidarity Encampment''' of [[2024]] has been the most significant of the [[protests]] that have taken place on Columbia's [[Morningside campus]] to express support for Palestinians, condemn Israel's occupation of the Gaza strip, and demand the school's divestment from Israel following the Israel-Hamas war that started on October 7th, [[2023]]. Starting on [[April 17]], 2024, this protest was special because it took the form of an encampment where students planned to stay in tents day and night on the eastern part of [[South Lawn]] until the school met their demands. The encampment was disrupted on [[April 18]] when President [[Minouche Shafik]] authorized the [[NYPD]] to take action, but quickly was reestablished on the western part of the lawn. However, the protest escalated with the occupation of [[Hamilton Hall]] on the night of [[April 29]] and the NYPD was again called in the next night to clear both the encampment and the occupation.

=Timeline=

==April 17: The Beginning==

===Around 4 AM===
Approximately 50 tents were set up on East South Lawn. Protestors put up banners reading "Gaza Solidarity Encampment" and "Liberated Zone". A substantial NYPD presence was noted outside the university as soon as the encampment had been established.

===Morning-Noon===
Columbia President [[Minouche Shafik]] testified in the [[Congress|Congressional]] House of Representatives antisemitism probe <ref> https://bwog.com/2024/04/columbia-president-minouche-shafik-testifies-before-congress-in-antisemitism-hearing/ </ref>. Her testimony, which sought to establish that she would be tougher on antisemitism (which was very broadly defined by members of the House as potentially including criticism of Israel) than it was perceived other [[Ivy League]] presidents had been, in retrospect set the tone for a harsh response on the protests that was later to take place.

===Evening===
The university begins handing out formal letters informing the students participating in the protest that if they do not stop immediately, they will be subject to sanctions up to and including suspension from the school.

==April 18: First arrests and reestablishment of the encampment==

In a letter, Shafik authorizes the [[NYPD]] to intervene. Starting at around 1PM, the NYPD's [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City_Police_Department_Strategic_Response_Group NYPD's Strategic Response Group] enters the encampment and begins arresting protesters who refuse to leave. A group of Jewish counterprotesters congregated to celebrate the university's response, waving American and Israeli flags. A protest on 114th Street and Amsterdam Avenue formed, but was dispersed to allow buses with detained protesters to exit. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators recovered signage and repitched several tents. After many arrests, the lawn was cleared and obstacles were placed down by the university, presumably to prevent another encampment.

Protesters soon begin gathering on West South Lawn, continuing to chant in support of Palestine and waiving flag, but without setting up tents.

Most exterior campus gates are closed, and Public Safety Officers guard remaining entrances and restrict campus access to [[CUID]] holders. A similar practice was observed during earlier protests, but the number of open gates is now significantly lower.

In a press conference, NYC Mayor [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Adams Eric Adams], alongside top New York Police Department officials, announces that police made more than 108 arrests during the sweep of the encampment.

At around 7:30 PM, the [[Student Affairs Committee]] sends out an email to all students, condemning the university's decision to bring police onto campus.

==April 19==
Protesters remained on West South Lawn.

At around 1:30 PM, University Senator Jalaj Mehta sent out an email "In collaboration with several Columbia University Student Senators" to all students, condemning the university's decision to bring police onto campus.

At around 5:45 PM, Assistant Director of Student Engagement Julia Dooley announced the cancellation of the Activities Fair scheduled for Sunday, April 21st as part of the annual [[Days on Campus]] event.

Later that day, Columbia begins issuing formal notices of interim suspension to students having participated in the encampment.

==April 20-28: Negotiations==

Negotiations with the administration took place over potential divestment or actions that could be taken in lieu of it.

During this period, major politicians also arrived on campus to engage with protesters or condemn them, including the Speaker of the House, who gave a speech on the [[Low Steps]], to many boos.

==April 29: Occupation of Hamilton==

Shafik announced that negotiations failed. That night, students occupied [[Hamilton Hall]], in a major escalation of the protests, renaming it "Hind's Hall" after a Palestinian girl who had been killed in the Gaza war. They barricaded the doors of the hall and unfurled banners that hung from the building. A second encampment was also established on [[Lewisohn]] Lawn.

==April 30: Police clear the protests==

Hamilton remained occupied during the day. A protester displayed a Palestinian flag to crowds on [[Amsterdam Avenue]] below, as those not living on campus had been locked out. They also used a pulley system to bring in food.

During this time, the university closed access to campus to those who did not live in the university dorms that were only accessible from it or who were essential workers.

By night, the university authorized [[NYPD]] to come back to campus. The police cleared Hamilton, entering both by making their way through the barricaded front door and using a truck equipped with a ladder to enter through an upper story window on Amsterdam. There were reports of violent acts committed during the clearance, including throwing one protester down a set of stairs and firing a gun.

The police also removed the encampment. Many students were arrested during these actions, and some non-students were found among their ranks.

It is difficult to confirm everything that took place during the actions as bystanders on campus, including media, were confined inside buildings for hours during the police action. The police later released their own video of the action.

=Reaction and effects=

In the immediate aftermath of the protests, the police and other actors made claims that outsiders were involved in their planning and execution that were hotly debated. The police also made some widely-ridiculed claims about supposedly nefarious objects they had found inside Hamilton, including a chain (which turned out to be from a bike lock sold by the university itself) and a copy of "A Very Short Introduction to Terrorism," which a police spokesperson appeared to believe was an instruction manual.

The [[Morningside Heights campus]] was also sealed off after the event, to much controversy. [[University Commencement]] was completely canceled and [[Class Day]]s were moved to the [[Baker Athletic Complex]]. Pass/fail grading options were offered.

More broadly, the Columbia Gaza protests garnered significant national attention. The police clearances of the protests also garnered significant national media attention. There has been significant controversy and comparisons to the legendary [[1968 protests]], which similarly ended with forceful police action. There is ongoing debate over whether the protests and police action will have an impact on Columbia's reputation, and what it might be. Some donors, such as [[Robert Kraft]], suspended contributions.

The Columbia protests were among the first such actions on a university campus to garner such attention and similar themes involving the establishment of encampments, building occupations, and police action characterized Gaza protests across the country and even world.

In August, President Shafik resigned in the wake of pressures surrounding the protest.

=Sources=
*[https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/columbia-university-protests-israel-gaza-campus.html?utm_medium=s1&utm_campaign=nym&utm_source=tw A history of the protest from New York Magazine, as compiled by Spectator journalists]
*[https://bwog.com/2024/04/students-construct-gaza-solidarity-encampment-occupying-east-butler-lawn-in-support-of-palestine/ Students Construct Gaza Solidarity Encampment, Occupying East Butler Lawn In Support Of Palestine - Bwog]
*[https://bwog.com/2024/04/columbia-president-minouche-shafik-testifies-before-congress-in-antisemitism-hearing/ Columbia President Minouche Shafik Testifies Before Congress In Antisemitism Hearing - Bwog]
*[https://www.cnn.com/business/live-news/columbia-antisemitism-house-testimony/index.html Columbia University president testifies in House antisemitism probe - CNN]
*[https://bwog.com/2024/04/live-updates-gaza-solidarity-encampment-day-14/ Live Updates: Gaza Solidarity Encampment Day 14 - Bwog]
*[https://bwog.com/2024/05/live-updates-gaza-solidarity-encampment-day-15/ Live Updates: Gaza Solidarity Encampment Day 15 - Bwog]
*[https://www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2024/04/19/days-on-campus-programming-limited-following-on-campus-protests-arrests/ ‘Days on Campus’ programming limited following on-campus protests, arrests - Columbia Daily Spectator]
*[https://www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2024/04/19/columbia-begins-formally-notifying-students-of-suspension-for-participation-in-wednesdays-gaza-solidarity-encampment/ Columbia begins formally notifying students of suspension for participation in Wednesday’s ‘Gaza Solidarity Encampment’ - Columbia Daily Spectator]

[[Category: Protests]]

2025

2025-05-08T04:30:33Z

Mmd900:

'''2025''' Columbia History:

*March: [[Katrina Armstrong]] resigns as Interim President. Board of Trustee [[Claire Shipman]] takes her place as Acting President.
*May: Dozens of individuals occupy Butler 301 (see: [[Occupation of Butler Library 2025]]) and are arrested by the NYPD.

{{succession|preceded=[[2024]]|succeeded=[[2026]]|office=History of Columbia University|years=2025}}

[[Category:21st century]]

2025

2025-05-08T04:29:37Z

Mmd900:

'''2025''' Columbia History:

*March: [[Katrina Armstrong]] resigns as Interim President. Board of Trustee [[Claire Shipman]] takes her place as Acting President.
*May: Dozens of individuals occupy Butler 301 (see: [[Butler Occupation of 2025]]) and are arrested by the NYPD.

{{succession|preceded=[[2024]]|succeeded=[[2026]]|office=History of Columbia University|years=2025}}

[[Category:21st century]]

Claire Shipman

2025-05-08T04:24:52Z

Mmd900:

{{wp-also}}

'''Claire Shipman''' [[Columbia College|CC]] '[[1986|86]] [[SIPA]] '[[1994|94]] is a journalist who has been a senior correspondent for ABC News.

She was the [[Columbia College]] [[Class Day]] speaker in [[1999]]. She also won a [[John Jay Award]] that year, and later won an [[Alexander Hamilton Medal]].

While at CC, she majored in Russian, and graduated ''[[magna cum laude]]''.

She is now a member of the [[Trustees]].

As of March 28, Shipman has been appointed to the position as Acting President by the Board of Trustees <ref> https://bwog.com/2025/03/katrina-armstrong-steps-down-board-of-trustees-co-chair-claire-shipman-to-act-as-president/ </ref>. This controversial act marks the first time a Trustee has held power of the Office of the President.

{{succession|preceded=[[Joseph A. Greenaway]]|succeeded=[[Brian Dennehy]]|office=[[Columbia College]] [[Class Day]] Speaker|years=[[1999]]}}

== References ==

<references/>

[[Category:Columbia College alumni|Shipman]]
[[Category:SIPA alumni|Shipman]]
[[Category:Class of 1986|Shipman, Claire]]
[[Category:John Jay Award recipients|Shipman, Claire]]
[[Category:Slavic languages majors|Shipman]]
[[Category:Trustees|Shipman]]
[[Category:Columbia College Class Day speakers|Shipman]]
[[Category:Alexander Hamilton Medal recipients|Shipman]]

Katrina Armstrong

2025-05-08T04:20:02Z

Mmd900:

'''Katrina Armstrong''' is currently the Interim [[University President]], following the resignation of [[Minouche Shafik]] in August [[2024]]. She is also Chief Executive Officer of Columbia University [[Irving Medical Center]] and Dean of the [[Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons]].

Armstrong, in a September 2024 email, set a goal of reopening campus access, which had previously become restricted before and during the [[Gaza Solidarity Encampment]], in "weeks, not months." However, as of November 2024, campus access remains ID-only at all gates.

{{succession|preceded=[[Minouche Shafik]]|succeeded=[[Claire Shipman]]|office=President of Columbia University|years=2024-2025}}

[[Category:University presidents|Armstrong]]
[[Category:Deans|Armstrong]]

2025

2025-05-08T04:19:14Z

Mmd900:

'''2025''' Columbia History:

*March: [[Katrina Armstrong]] resigns as Interim President. Board of Trustee [[Claire Shipman]] takes her place as Acting President.
*May: Dozens of individuals occupy Butler 301 and are arrested by the NYPD.

{{succession|preceded=[[2024]]|succeeded=[[2026]]|office=History of Columbia University|years=2025}}

[[Category:21st century]]

2025

2025-05-08T04:18:07Z

Mmd900: Created page with "2025 Columbia History: March: Katrina Armstrong resigns as Interim President. Board of Trustee Claire Shipman takes her place as Acting President. May: Dozens of individuals..."

2025 Columbia History:

March: Katrina Armstrong resigns as Interim President. Board of Trustee Claire Shipman takes her place as Acting President.
May: Dozens of individuals occupy Butler 301 and are arrested by the NYPD.

Hannah Revels

2025-04-17T21:28:52Z

Mmd900:

Hannah Revels (CC '24) is the former interim EIC of Bwog after [[Kyle Murray]] stepped down during Fall 2023.

Before becoming EIC, Hannah served as the Internal Editor for Bwog.

{{succession|preceded=[[Kyle Murray]]|succeeded=[[Sahmaya Busby]]|office=Bwog EIC|years=2023}}
==References==
<references/>
[[Category:Barnard College students]]
[[Category:Class of 2024]]
[[Category:Bwog editors]]

Hannah Revels

2025-04-17T21:28:22Z

Mmd900:

Hannah Revels (CC '24) is the former interim EIC of Bwog after [[Kyle Murray]] stepped down during Fall 2024.

Before becoming EIC, Hannah served as the Internal Editor for Bwog.

{{succession|preceded=[[Kyle Murray]]|succeeded=[[Sahmaya Busby]]|office=Bwog EIC|years=2023}}
==References==
<references/>
[[Category:Barnard College students]]
[[Category:Class of 2024]]
[[Category:Bwog editors]]

Kyle Murray

2025-04-17T21:28:05Z

Mmd900:

{{succession|preceded=[[Sofia Fontaine]]|succeeded=[[Hannah Revels]]|office=Bwog EIC|years=2023}}
==References==
<references/>
[[Category:Columbia College students]]
[[Category:Class of 2025]]
[[Category:Bwog editors]]

Kyle Murray

2025-04-17T21:27:34Z

Mmd900:

{{succession|preceded=[[Sofia Fontaine]]|succeeded=[[Grace Fitzgerald-Diaz]]|office=Bwog EIC|years=2023}}
==References==
<references/>
[[Category:Columbia College students]]
[[Category:Class of 2025]]
[[Category:Bwog editors]]

Hannah Revels

2025-04-17T21:26:50Z

Mmd900:

Hannah Revels (CC '24) is the former interim EIC of Bwog after [[Kyle Murray]] stepped down during Fall 2024.

Before becoming EIC, Hannah served as the Internal Editor for Bwog.

{{succession|preceded=[[Kyle Murray]]|succeeded=[[Sahmaya Busby]]|office=Bwog EIC|years=2024}}
==References==
<references/>
[[Category:Barnard College students]]
[[Category:Class of 2024]]
[[Category:Bwog editors]]

Grace Fitzgerald-Diaz

2025-04-17T21:25:33Z

Mmd900: Blanked the page

Hannah Revels

2025-04-17T21:24:24Z

Mmd900:

Hannah Revels (CC '25) is the former interim EIC of Bwog after Kyle Murray stepped down.

Before becoming EIC, Hannah served as the Internal Editor for Bwog.

Hannah Revels

2025-04-17T21:24:00Z

Mmd900: Created page with "Sahmaya Busby (CC '25) is the former interim EIC of Bwog. Before becoming EIC, Hannah served as the Internal Editor for Bwog."

Sahmaya Busby (CC '25) is the former interim EIC of Bwog.

Before becoming EIC, Hannah served as the Internal Editor for Bwog.

Sahmaya Busby

2025-04-17T21:19:32Z

Mmd900:

'''Sahmaya Busby''' (CC '25) is the former EIC of [[Bwog]]. Before becoming EIC, Sahmaya served as the Deputy Editor under [[Kyle Murray]].

Sahmaya's board consists of [[Alison Hog]] as Managing Editor and [[Jess Tsang]] as Internal Editor.

{{succession|preceded=[[Hannah Revels]]|succeeded=[[Madeline Douglas]]|office=Bwog EIC|years=2024}}
==References==
<references/>
[[Category:Columbia College students]]
[[Category:Class of 2025]]
[[Category:Bwog editors]]

Kyle Murray

2025-03-25T16:31:34Z

Mmd900:

{{succession|preceded=[[Sofia Trujillo]]|succeeded=[[Grace Fitzgerald-Diaz]]|office=Bwog EIC|years=2023}}
==References==
<references/>
[[Category:Columbia College students]]
[[Category:Class of 2025]]
[[Category:Bwog editors]]

Grace Fitzgerald-Diaz

2025-03-25T16:31:13Z

Mmd900:

{{succession|preceded=[[Kyle Murray]]|succeeded=[[Sahmaya Busby]]|office=Bwog EIC|years=2023}}
==References==
<references/>
[[Category:Class of 2025]]
[[Category:Bwog editors]]

Grace Fitzgerald-Diaz

2025-03-25T16:31:02Z

Mmd900: Created page with "{{succession|preceded=Grace Fitzgerald-Diaz|succeeded=Sahmaya Busby|office=Bwog EIC|years=2023}} ==References== <references/> Category:Class of 2025 Category:Bwo..."

{{succession|preceded=[[Grace Fitzgerald-Diaz]]|succeeded=[[Sahmaya Busby]]|office=Bwog EIC|years=2023}}
==References==
<references/>
[[Category:Class of 2025]]
[[Category:Bwog editors]]

Kyle Murray

2025-03-25T16:30:21Z

Mmd900: Created page with "{{succession|preceded=Sofia Trujillo|succeeded=Grace Fitzgerald-Diaz|office=Bwog EIC|years=2023}} ==References== <references/> Category:Barnard College students ..."

{{succession|preceded=[[Sofia Trujillo]]|succeeded=[[Grace Fitzgerald-Diaz]]|office=Bwog EIC|years=2023}}
==References==
<references/>
[[Category:Barnard College students]]
[[Category:Class of 2024]]
[[Category:Bwog editors]]

Sofia Fontaine

2025-03-25T16:29:38Z

Mmd900:

'''Sofia Fontaine''' (BC '24) is the former EIC of [[Bwog]]. Before becoming EIC, Sofia served as the Internal Editor under [[Rania Borgani]]

Rania's board consists of [[Grace Fitzgerald-Diaz]] as Managing Editor and [[Sofía Trujillo]] as Internal Editor.

{{succession|preceded=[[Rania Borgani]]|succeeded=[[Kyle Murray]]|office=Bwog EIC|years=2022}}
==References==
<references/>
[[Category:Barnard College students]]
[[Category:Class of 2024]]
[[Category:Bwog editors]]

Sahmaya Busby

2025-03-25T16:25:42Z

Mmd900:

'''Sahmaya Busby''' (CC '25) is the former EIC of [[Bwog]]. Before becoming EIC, Sahmaya served as the Deputy Editor under [[Kyle Murray]].

Sahmaya's board consists of [[Alison Hog]] as Managing Editor and [[Jess Tsang]] as Internal Editor.

{{succession|preceded=[[Grace Fitzgerald-Diaz]]|succeeded=[[Madeline Douglas]]|office=Bwog EIC|years=2024}}
==References==
<references/>
[[Category:Columbia College students]]
[[Category:Class of 2025]]
[[Category:Bwog editors]]

Sahmaya Busby

2025-03-25T16:24:32Z

Mmd900:

'''Sahmaya Busby''' (CC '25) is the former EIC of [[Bwog]]. Before becoming EIC, Sahmaya served as the Deputy Editor under [[Kyle Murray]]

Sahmaya's board consists of [[Alison Hog]] as Managing Editor and [[Jess Tsang]] as Internal Editor.

{{succession|preceded=[[Grace Fitzgerald-Diaz]]|succeeded=[[Madeline Douglas]]|office=Bwog EIC|years=2024}}
==References==
<references/>
[[Category:Columbia College students]]
[[Category:Class of 2025]]
[[Category:Bwog editors]]

Sahmaya Busby

2025-03-25T16:24:03Z

Mmd900:

'''Sahmaya Busby''' (CC '25) is the former EIC of [[Bwog]]. Before becoming EIC, Sofia served as the Deputy Editor under [[Kyle Murray]]

Rania's board consists of [[Alison Hog]] as Managing Editor and [[Jess Tsang]] as Internal Editor.

{{succession|preceded=[[Grace Fitzgerald-Diaz]]|succeeded=[[Madeline Douglas]]|office=Bwog EIC|years=2024}}
==References==
<references/>
[[Category:Columbia College students]]
[[Category:Class of 2025]]
[[Category:Bwog editors]]

Sahmaya Busby

2025-03-25T16:23:25Z

Mmd900: Created page with "'''Sahmaya Busby''' (CC '25) is the former EIC of Bwog. Before becoming EIC, Sofia served as the Deputy Editor under Kyle Murray Rania's board consists of Alison Ho..."

'''Sahmaya Busby''' (CC '25) is the former EIC of [[Bwog]]. Before becoming EIC, Sofia served as the Deputy Editor under [[Kyle Murray]]

Rania's board consists of [[Alison Hog]] as Managing Editor and [[Jess Tsang]] as Internal Editor.

{{succession|preceded=[[Kyle Murray]]|succeeded=[[Madeline Douglas]]|office=Bwog EIC|years=2024}}
==References==
<references/>
[[Category:Columbia College students]]
[[Category:Class of 2025]]
[[Category:Bwog editors]]

Sofia Fontaine

2025-03-25T16:20:13Z

Mmd900:

'''Sofia Fontaine''' (BC '24) is the former EIC of [[Bwog]]. Before becoming EIC, Sofia served as the Internal Editor under [[Rania Borgani]]

Rania's board consists of [[Grace Fitzgerald-Diaz]] as Managing Editor and [[Sofía Trujillo]] as Internal Editor.

{{succession|preceded=[[Rania Borgani]]|succeeded=TBD|office=Bwog EIC|years=2022}}
==References==
<references/>
[[Category:Barnard College students]]
[[Category:Class of 2024]]
[[Category:Bwog editors]]

Bwog

2025-03-25T16:19:24Z

Mmd900: /* Current Management */

[[Image:Bwog.gif|thumb|200px|Bwog's logo up to 2009.]]

'''Bwog''', originally called '''The Bwog''', started its existence as the blog of ''[[The Blue and White]]'' magazine, but has since then developed a life of its own separate from the magazine. Centered on campus news and gossip, it was launched on [[January 30|January 30th]], [[2006]]<ref>[http://bwog.net/2006/01/30/you-can-take-the-soviet-out-of-russia "You Can Take the Soviet Out of Russia..."], ''Bwog'', 1/30/06 - First post to Bwog</ref>, by founding editor [[Taylor Walsh]]. The site was inspired by gossip blogs that began to be popular in New York in the mid-00s, especially [[Gawker]], but has since elevated its news reputation. Some consider it to be snotty and elitist. Others consider it witty and entertaining. Most people read it regardless. It's generally understood that Bwog was great last year but now it sucks, regardless of the current year.

== History ==
[[Image:Bwogv4.JPG|thumb|200px|Bwog's 2012 redesign]]

Although it had already been active for months, Bwog went mainstream in October [[2006]] with its nearly real-time coverage of the [[Minuteman stage-rush]] incident, which did for it what the Gulf War did for CNN - made students realize that the blog medium, and Bwog in particular, was their most up to date source of campus news. A popular sister blog launched in [[2008]] to cover the exploits of [[Hawkmadinejad]]. The site has undergone three serious redesigns since inception, notably on [[January 1]], [[2009]] and [[September 22]], [[2012]]. Both designs were met with immediate backlash from readers<ref>[http://bwog.com/2012/09/23/looking-for-feedback/#comments "Looking for Feedback"], ''Bwog'', 9/23/12</ref>, but just like Facebook, eventually people stop complaining and continue using the site.

In [[2010]], the site celebrated its [http://bwog.net/2010/04/18/overseen-mrsbo-racecars-and-croquet#comment-198189 100,000th entry comment]. That same year, the site moved from Bwog.net to Bwog.com, for unclear reasons.

== Common Features ==

*Breaking news
*Bwoglines
*Coverage of protests / major campus events
*LectureHops / RoomHops / OfficeHops / PeopleHops
*Things overheard on campus
*Student council meetings coverage that maybe 3 people read
*Event listings
*Rodent coverage
*[[Free food]] announcements, far too close to the event time to be of any use
*Internet culture features
*BwogSex
*On-campus theater reviews
*Comments, with a reputation for being caustic and asinine
*[[Senior Wisdom]]
*Actual Wisdom
*[[BwogWeather]]

Unlike [[Spec]], Bwog stays active and running during finals. They immediately regretted that decision but such is life.

==Publication==
Despite [http://undergrad.admissions.columbia.edu/learn/studentlife/activities what Columbia might insinuate,] Bwog is not officially affiliated with the school--the organization does not get support or funding in any form from the university. It is an independent blog that the administration (often begrudgingly) acknowledges. It is completely student-run and managed, supported financially by ad sales.

==Current Management==
*[[:Category:Bwog editors|Editor in Chief]]: [[Madeline Douglas]]
*Managing Editor: Renee Bales
*Internal Editor: Chancey Stefanos
*Publisher: Ava Slocum, Elisha Dura
*Deputy Editors: Luken Sloan, Sam Mezrich
*Events Editor: Eve Bertrand
*Arts Editor: Avery Baumel
*Sports Editor: Marlee Turner
*Science Editor: Maggie Aufmuth
*News Editor: Khushi Chhaya
*Tech Editor: Amrita Pal
*Visual Editor: Audrey Czarnecki
*Social Media Editor: Rory Collins
*Alma “Mrs. Styles” Bwogger: [[Sahmaya Busby]]
*Alma "High Praise" Bwogger: [[Sofia Fontaine]]
*Alma "Blankie" Bwogger: [[Lauren Kahme]]

==See Also==
*[[Bwog-Spectrum Relationship]]
*[[Bwog Uncensored]]
== References ==
<references />

==External links==

* [http://www.bwog.com Bwog]
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20060622192630/http://www.bwog.net Bwog's first incarnation]
* [http://bwog.com/2007/02/17/bwoggiversary/ Bwog's stats at one year old]
* [http://editorjosh.blogspot.com/2007/02/bwog-birthday-column.html a Spec editor writing about how to write about Bwog]
* [http://www.wikicu.com/File:2-21_Column_Page.jpg That same Spec editor writing about Bwog's first birthday]

[[Category:Student blogs|Bwog]]
[[Category:Student publications|Bwog]]
[[Category:Websites|Bwog]]

Gaza Solidarity Encampment

2025-03-12T04:25:11Z

Mmd900: /* Sources */

{{wp-also2|2024 Columbia University pro-Palestinian campus occupation}}

The '''Gaza Solidarity Encampment''' of [[2024]] has been the most significant of the [[protests]] that have taken place on Columbia's [[Morningside campus]] to express support for Palestinians, condemn Israel's occupation of the Gaza strip, and demand the school's divestment from Israel following the Israel-Hamas war that started on October 7th, [[2023]]. Starting on [[April 17]], 2024, this protest was special because it took the form of an encampment where students planned to stay in tents day and night on the eastern part of [[South Lawn]] until the school met their demands. The encampment was disrupted on [[April 18]] when President [[Minouche Shafik]] authorized the [[NYPD]] to take action, but quickly was reestablished on the western part of the lawn. However, the protest escalated with the occupation of [[Hamilton Hall]] on the night of [[April 29]] and the NYPD was again called in the next night to clear both the encampment and the occupation.

=Timeline=

==April 17: The Beginning==

===Around 4 AM===
Approximately 50 tents were set up on East South Lawn. Protestors put up banners reading "Gaza Solidarity Encampment" and "Liberated Zone". A substantial NYPD presence was noted outside the university as soon as the encampment had been established.

===Morning-Noon===
Columbia President [[Minouche Shafik]] testified in the [[Congress|Congressional]] House of Representatives antisemitism probe. Her testimony, which sought to establish that she would be tougher on antisemitism (which was very broadly defined by members of the House as potentially including criticism of Israel) than it was perceived other [[Ivy League]] presidents had been, in retrospect set the tone for a harsh response on the protests that was later to take place.

===Evening===
The university begins handing out formal letters informing the students participating in the protest that if they do not stop immediately, they will be subject to sanctions up to and including suspension from the school.

==April 18: First arrests and reestablishment of the encampment==

In a letter, Shafik authorizes the [[NYPD]] to intervene. Starting at around 1PM, the NYPD's [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City_Police_Department_Strategic_Response_Group NYPD's Strategic Response Group] enters the encampment and begins arresting protesters who refuse to leave. A group of Jewish counterprotesters congregated to celebrate the university's response, waving American and Israeli flags. A protest on 114th Street and Amsterdam Avenue formed, but was dispersed to allow buses with detained protesters to exit. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators recovered signage and repitched several tents. After many arrests, the lawn was cleared and obstacles were placed down by the university, presumably to prevent another encampment.

Protesters soon begin gathering on West South Lawn, continuing to chant in support of Palestine and waiving flag, but without setting up tents.

Most exterior campus gates are closed, and Public Safety Officers guard remaining entrances and restrict campus access to [[CUID]] holders. A similar practice was observed during earlier protests, but the number of open gates is now significantly lower.

In a press conference, NYC Mayor [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Adams Eric Adams], alongside top New York Police Department officials, announces that police made more than 108 arrests during the sweep of the encampment.

At around 7:30 PM, the [[Student Affairs Committee]] sends out an email to all students, condemning the university's decision to bring police onto campus.

==April 19==
Protesters remained on West South Lawn.

At around 1:30 PM, University Senator Jalaj Mehta sent out an email "In collaboration with several Columbia University Student Senators" to all students, condemning the university's decision to bring police onto campus.

At around 5:45 PM, Assistant Director of Student Engagement Julia Dooley announced the cancellation of the Activities Fair scheduled for Sunday, April 21st as part of the annual [[Days on Campus]] event.

Later that day, Columbia begins issuing formal notices of interim suspension to students having participated in the encampment.

==April 20-28: Negotiations==

Negotiations with the administration took place over potential divestment or actions that could be taken in lieu of it.

During this period, major politicians also arrived on campus to engage with protesters or condemn them, including the Speaker of the House, who gave a speech on the [[Low Steps]], to many boos.

==April 29: Occupation of Hamilton==

Shafik announced that negotiations failed. That night, students occupied [[Hamilton Hall]], in a major escalation of the protests, renaming it "Hind's Hall" after a Palestinian girl who had been killed in the Gaza war. They barricaded the doors of the hall and unfurled banners that hung from the building. A second encampment was also established on [[Lewisohn]] Lawn.

==April 30: Police clear the protests==

Hamilton remained occupied during the day. A protester displayed a Palestinian flag to crowds on [[Amsterdam Avenue]] below, as those not living on campus had been locked out. They also used a pulley system to bring in food.

During this time, the university closed access to campus to those who did not live in the university dorms that were only accessible from it or who were essential workers.

By night, the university authorized [[NYPD]] to come back to campus. The police cleared Hamilton, entering both by making their way through the barricaded front door and using a truck equipped with a ladder to enter through an upper story window on Amsterdam. There were reports of violent acts committed during the clearance, including throwing one protester down a set of stairs and firing a gun.

The police also removed the encampment. Many students were arrested during these actions, and some non-students were found among their ranks.

It is difficult to confirm everything that took place during the actions as bystanders on campus, including media, were confined inside buildings for hours during the police action. The police later released their own video of the action.

=Reaction and effects=

In the immediate aftermath of the protests, the police and other actors made claims that outsiders were involved in their planning and execution that were hotly debated. The police also made some widely-ridiculed claims about supposedly nefarious objects they had found inside Hamilton, including a chain (which turned out to be from a bike lock sold by the university itself) and a copy of "A Very Short Introduction to Terrorism," which a police spokesperson appeared to believe was an instruction manual.

The [[Morningside Heights campus]] was also sealed off after the event, to much controversy. [[University Commencement]] was completely canceled and [[Class Day]]s were moved to the [[Baker Athletic Complex]]. Pass/fail grading options were offered.

More broadly, the Columbia Gaza protests garnered significant national attention. The police clearances of the protests also garnered significant national media attention. There has been significant controversy and comparisons to the legendary [[1968 protests]], which similarly ended with forceful police action. There is ongoing debate over whether the protests and police action will have an impact on Columbia's reputation, and what it might be. Some donors, such as [[Robert Kraft]], suspended contributions.

The Columbia protests were among the first such actions on a university campus to garner such attention and similar themes involving the establishment of encampments, building occupations, and police action characterized Gaza protests across the country and even world.

In August, President Shafik resigned in the wake of pressures surrounding the protest.

=Sources=
*[https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/columbia-university-protests-israel-gaza-campus.html?utm_medium=s1&utm_campaign=nym&utm_source=tw A history of the protest from New York Magazine, as compiled by Spectator journalists]
*[https://bwog.com/2024/04/students-construct-gaza-solidarity-encampment-occupying-east-butler-lawn-in-support-of-palestine/ Students Construct Gaza Solidarity Encampment, Occupying East Butler Lawn In Support Of Palestine - Bwog]
*[https://www.cnn.com/business/live-news/columbia-antisemitism-house-testimony/index.html Columbia University president testifies in House antisemitism probe - CNN]
*[https://bwog.com/2024/04/live-updates-gaza-solidarity-encampment-day-14/ Live Updates: Gaza Solidarity Encampment Day 14 - Bwog]
*[https://bwog.com/2024/05/live-updates-gaza-solidarity-encampment-day-15/ Live Updates: Gaza Solidarity Encampment Day 15 - Bwog]
*[https://www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2024/04/19/days-on-campus-programming-limited-following-on-campus-protests-arrests/ ‘Days on Campus’ programming limited following on-campus protests, arrests - Columbia Daily Spectator]
*[https://www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2024/04/19/columbia-begins-formally-notifying-students-of-suspension-for-participation-in-wednesdays-gaza-solidarity-encampment/ Columbia begins formally notifying students of suspension for participation in Wednesday’s ‘Gaza Solidarity Encampment’ - Columbia Daily Spectator]

[[Category: Protests]]

Gaza Solidarity Encampment

2025-03-12T04:24:57Z

Mmd900: /* Sources */

{{wp-also2|2024 Columbia University pro-Palestinian campus occupation}}

The '''Gaza Solidarity Encampment''' of [[2024]] has been the most significant of the [[protests]] that have taken place on Columbia's [[Morningside campus]] to express support for Palestinians, condemn Israel's occupation of the Gaza strip, and demand the school's divestment from Israel following the Israel-Hamas war that started on October 7th, [[2023]]. Starting on [[April 17]], 2024, this protest was special because it took the form of an encampment where students planned to stay in tents day and night on the eastern part of [[South Lawn]] until the school met their demands. The encampment was disrupted on [[April 18]] when President [[Minouche Shafik]] authorized the [[NYPD]] to take action, but quickly was reestablished on the western part of the lawn. However, the protest escalated with the occupation of [[Hamilton Hall]] on the night of [[April 29]] and the NYPD was again called in the next night to clear both the encampment and the occupation.

=Timeline=

==April 17: The Beginning==

===Around 4 AM===
Approximately 50 tents were set up on East South Lawn. Protestors put up banners reading "Gaza Solidarity Encampment" and "Liberated Zone". A substantial NYPD presence was noted outside the university as soon as the encampment had been established.

===Morning-Noon===
Columbia President [[Minouche Shafik]] testified in the [[Congress|Congressional]] House of Representatives antisemitism probe. Her testimony, which sought to establish that she would be tougher on antisemitism (which was very broadly defined by members of the House as potentially including criticism of Israel) than it was perceived other [[Ivy League]] presidents had been, in retrospect set the tone for a harsh response on the protests that was later to take place.

===Evening===
The university begins handing out formal letters informing the students participating in the protest that if they do not stop immediately, they will be subject to sanctions up to and including suspension from the school.

==April 18: First arrests and reestablishment of the encampment==

In a letter, Shafik authorizes the [[NYPD]] to intervene. Starting at around 1PM, the NYPD's [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City_Police_Department_Strategic_Response_Group NYPD's Strategic Response Group] enters the encampment and begins arresting protesters who refuse to leave. A group of Jewish counterprotesters congregated to celebrate the university's response, waving American and Israeli flags. A protest on 114th Street and Amsterdam Avenue formed, but was dispersed to allow buses with detained protesters to exit. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators recovered signage and repitched several tents. After many arrests, the lawn was cleared and obstacles were placed down by the university, presumably to prevent another encampment.

Protesters soon begin gathering on West South Lawn, continuing to chant in support of Palestine and waiving flag, but without setting up tents.

Most exterior campus gates are closed, and Public Safety Officers guard remaining entrances and restrict campus access to [[CUID]] holders. A similar practice was observed during earlier protests, but the number of open gates is now significantly lower.

In a press conference, NYC Mayor [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Adams Eric Adams], alongside top New York Police Department officials, announces that police made more than 108 arrests during the sweep of the encampment.

At around 7:30 PM, the [[Student Affairs Committee]] sends out an email to all students, condemning the university's decision to bring police onto campus.

==April 19==
Protesters remained on West South Lawn.

At around 1:30 PM, University Senator Jalaj Mehta sent out an email "In collaboration with several Columbia University Student Senators" to all students, condemning the university's decision to bring police onto campus.

At around 5:45 PM, Assistant Director of Student Engagement Julia Dooley announced the cancellation of the Activities Fair scheduled for Sunday, April 21st as part of the annual [[Days on Campus]] event.

Later that day, Columbia begins issuing formal notices of interim suspension to students having participated in the encampment.

==April 20-28: Negotiations==

Negotiations with the administration took place over potential divestment or actions that could be taken in lieu of it.

During this period, major politicians also arrived on campus to engage with protesters or condemn them, including the Speaker of the House, who gave a speech on the [[Low Steps]], to many boos.

==April 29: Occupation of Hamilton==

Shafik announced that negotiations failed. That night, students occupied [[Hamilton Hall]], in a major escalation of the protests, renaming it "Hind's Hall" after a Palestinian girl who had been killed in the Gaza war. They barricaded the doors of the hall and unfurled banners that hung from the building. A second encampment was also established on [[Lewisohn]] Lawn.

==April 30: Police clear the protests==

Hamilton remained occupied during the day. A protester displayed a Palestinian flag to crowds on [[Amsterdam Avenue]] below, as those not living on campus had been locked out. They also used a pulley system to bring in food.

During this time, the university closed access to campus to those who did not live in the university dorms that were only accessible from it or who were essential workers.

By night, the university authorized [[NYPD]] to come back to campus. The police cleared Hamilton, entering both by making their way through the barricaded front door and using a truck equipped with a ladder to enter through an upper story window on Amsterdam. There were reports of violent acts committed during the clearance, including throwing one protester down a set of stairs and firing a gun.

The police also removed the encampment. Many students were arrested during these actions, and some non-students were found among their ranks.

It is difficult to confirm everything that took place during the actions as bystanders on campus, including media, were confined inside buildings for hours during the police action. The police later released their own video of the action.

=Reaction and effects=

In the immediate aftermath of the protests, the police and other actors made claims that outsiders were involved in their planning and execution that were hotly debated. The police also made some widely-ridiculed claims about supposedly nefarious objects they had found inside Hamilton, including a chain (which turned out to be from a bike lock sold by the university itself) and a copy of "A Very Short Introduction to Terrorism," which a police spokesperson appeared to believe was an instruction manual.

The [[Morningside Heights campus]] was also sealed off after the event, to much controversy. [[University Commencement]] was completely canceled and [[Class Day]]s were moved to the [[Baker Athletic Complex]]. Pass/fail grading options were offered.

More broadly, the Columbia Gaza protests garnered significant national attention. The police clearances of the protests also garnered significant national media attention. There has been significant controversy and comparisons to the legendary [[1968 protests]], which similarly ended with forceful police action. There is ongoing debate over whether the protests and police action will have an impact on Columbia's reputation, and what it might be. Some donors, such as [[Robert Kraft]], suspended contributions.

The Columbia protests were among the first such actions on a university campus to garner such attention and similar themes involving the establishment of encampments, building occupations, and police action characterized Gaza protests across the country and even world.

In August, President Shafik resigned in the wake of pressures surrounding the protest.

=Sources=
*[https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/columbia-university-protests-israel-gaza-campus.html?utm_medium=s1&utm_campaign=nym&utm_source=tw A history of the protest from New York Magazine, as compiled by Spectator journalists]
*https://bwog.com/2024/04/students-construct-gaza-solidarity-encampment-occupying-east-butler-lawn-in-support-of-palestine/ Students Construct Gaza Solidarity Encampment, Occupying East Butler Lawn In Support Of Palestine - Bwog]
*[https://www.cnn.com/business/live-news/columbia-antisemitism-house-testimony/index.html Columbia University president testifies in House antisemitism probe - CNN]
*[https://bwog.com/2024/04/live-updates-gaza-solidarity-encampment-day-14/ Live Updates: Gaza Solidarity Encampment Day 14 - Bwog]
*[https://bwog.com/2024/05/live-updates-gaza-solidarity-encampment-day-15/ Live Updates: Gaza Solidarity Encampment Day 15 - Bwog]
*[https://www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2024/04/19/days-on-campus-programming-limited-following-on-campus-protests-arrests/ ‘Days on Campus’ programming limited following on-campus protests, arrests - Columbia Daily Spectator]
*[https://www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2024/04/19/columbia-begins-formally-notifying-students-of-suspension-for-participation-in-wednesdays-gaza-solidarity-encampment/ Columbia begins formally notifying students of suspension for participation in Wednesday’s ‘Gaza Solidarity Encampment’ - Columbia Daily Spectator]

[[Category: Protests]]

Gaza Solidarity Encampment

2025-03-12T04:22:25Z

Mmd900: /* Sources */

{{wp-also2|2024 Columbia University pro-Palestinian campus occupation}}

The '''Gaza Solidarity Encampment''' of [[2024]] has been the most significant of the [[protests]] that have taken place on Columbia's [[Morningside campus]] to express support for Palestinians, condemn Israel's occupation of the Gaza strip, and demand the school's divestment from Israel following the Israel-Hamas war that started on October 7th, [[2023]]. Starting on [[April 17]], 2024, this protest was special because it took the form of an encampment where students planned to stay in tents day and night on the eastern part of [[South Lawn]] until the school met their demands. The encampment was disrupted on [[April 18]] when President [[Minouche Shafik]] authorized the [[NYPD]] to take action, but quickly was reestablished on the western part of the lawn. However, the protest escalated with the occupation of [[Hamilton Hall]] on the night of [[April 29]] and the NYPD was again called in the next night to clear both the encampment and the occupation.

=Timeline=

==April 17: The Beginning==

===Around 4 AM===
Approximately 50 tents were set up on East South Lawn. Protestors put up banners reading "Gaza Solidarity Encampment" and "Liberated Zone". A substantial NYPD presence was noted outside the university as soon as the encampment had been established.

===Morning-Noon===
Columbia President [[Minouche Shafik]] testified in the [[Congress|Congressional]] House of Representatives antisemitism probe. Her testimony, which sought to establish that she would be tougher on antisemitism (which was very broadly defined by members of the House as potentially including criticism of Israel) than it was perceived other [[Ivy League]] presidents had been, in retrospect set the tone for a harsh response on the protests that was later to take place.

===Evening===
The university begins handing out formal letters informing the students participating in the protest that if they do not stop immediately, they will be subject to sanctions up to and including suspension from the school.

==April 18: First arrests and reestablishment of the encampment==

In a letter, Shafik authorizes the [[NYPD]] to intervene. Starting at around 1PM, the NYPD's [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City_Police_Department_Strategic_Response_Group NYPD's Strategic Response Group] enters the encampment and begins arresting protesters who refuse to leave. A group of Jewish counterprotesters congregated to celebrate the university's response, waving American and Israeli flags. A protest on 114th Street and Amsterdam Avenue formed, but was dispersed to allow buses with detained protesters to exit. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators recovered signage and repitched several tents. After many arrests, the lawn was cleared and obstacles were placed down by the university, presumably to prevent another encampment.

Protesters soon begin gathering on West South Lawn, continuing to chant in support of Palestine and waiving flag, but without setting up tents.

Most exterior campus gates are closed, and Public Safety Officers guard remaining entrances and restrict campus access to [[CUID]] holders. A similar practice was observed during earlier protests, but the number of open gates is now significantly lower.

In a press conference, NYC Mayor [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Adams Eric Adams], alongside top New York Police Department officials, announces that police made more than 108 arrests during the sweep of the encampment.

At around 7:30 PM, the [[Student Affairs Committee]] sends out an email to all students, condemning the university's decision to bring police onto campus.

==April 19==
Protesters remained on West South Lawn.

At around 1:30 PM, University Senator Jalaj Mehta sent out an email "In collaboration with several Columbia University Student Senators" to all students, condemning the university's decision to bring police onto campus.

At around 5:45 PM, Assistant Director of Student Engagement Julia Dooley announced the cancellation of the Activities Fair scheduled for Sunday, April 21st as part of the annual [[Days on Campus]] event.

Later that day, Columbia begins issuing formal notices of interim suspension to students having participated in the encampment.

==April 20-28: Negotiations==

Negotiations with the administration took place over potential divestment or actions that could be taken in lieu of it.

During this period, major politicians also arrived on campus to engage with protesters or condemn them, including the Speaker of the House, who gave a speech on the [[Low Steps]], to many boos.

==April 29: Occupation of Hamilton==

Shafik announced that negotiations failed. That night, students occupied [[Hamilton Hall]], in a major escalation of the protests, renaming it "Hind's Hall" after a Palestinian girl who had been killed in the Gaza war. They barricaded the doors of the hall and unfurled banners that hung from the building. A second encampment was also established on [[Lewisohn]] Lawn.

==April 30: Police clear the protests==

Hamilton remained occupied during the day. A protester displayed a Palestinian flag to crowds on [[Amsterdam Avenue]] below, as those not living on campus had been locked out. They also used a pulley system to bring in food.

During this time, the university closed access to campus to those who did not live in the university dorms that were only accessible from it or who were essential workers.

By night, the university authorized [[NYPD]] to come back to campus. The police cleared Hamilton, entering both by making their way through the barricaded front door and using a truck equipped with a ladder to enter through an upper story window on Amsterdam. There were reports of violent acts committed during the clearance, including throwing one protester down a set of stairs and firing a gun.

The police also removed the encampment. Many students were arrested during these actions, and some non-students were found among their ranks.

It is difficult to confirm everything that took place during the actions as bystanders on campus, including media, were confined inside buildings for hours during the police action. The police later released their own video of the action.

=Reaction and effects=

In the immediate aftermath of the protests, the police and other actors made claims that outsiders were involved in their planning and execution that were hotly debated. The police also made some widely-ridiculed claims about supposedly nefarious objects they had found inside Hamilton, including a chain (which turned out to be from a bike lock sold by the university itself) and a copy of "A Very Short Introduction to Terrorism," which a police spokesperson appeared to believe was an instruction manual.

The [[Morningside Heights campus]] was also sealed off after the event, to much controversy. [[University Commencement]] was completely canceled and [[Class Day]]s were moved to the [[Baker Athletic Complex]]. Pass/fail grading options were offered.

More broadly, the Columbia Gaza protests garnered significant national attention. The police clearances of the protests also garnered significant national media attention. There has been significant controversy and comparisons to the legendary [[1968 protests]], which similarly ended with forceful police action. There is ongoing debate over whether the protests and police action will have an impact on Columbia's reputation, and what it might be. Some donors, such as [[Robert Kraft]], suspended contributions.

The Columbia protests were among the first such actions on a university campus to garner such attention and similar themes involving the establishment of encampments, building occupations, and police action characterized Gaza protests across the country and even world.

In August, President Shafik resigned in the wake of pressures surrounding the protest.

=Sources=
*[https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/columbia-university-protests-israel-gaza-campus.html?utm_medium=s1&utm_campaign=nym&utm_source=tw A history of the protest from New York Magazine, as compiled by Spectator journalists]
*[https://www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2024/04/17/dozens-of-protesters-occupy-south-lawn-call-for-divestment-from-israel-ahead-of-shafik-testimony/ Hundreds of protesters occupy South Lawn, call for divestment from Israel during Shafik testimony - Columbia Daily Spectator]
*[https://www.cnn.com/business/live-news/columbia-antisemitism-house-testimony/index.html Columbia University president testifies in House antisemitism probe - CNN]
*[https://www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2024/04/18/shafik-authorizes-nypd-to-sweep-gaza-solidarity-encampment-officers-in-riot-gear-arrest-over-100/ Shafik authorizes NYPD to sweep ‘Gaza Solidarity Encampment,’ officers in riot gear arrest over 100 - Columbia Daily Spectator]
*[https://bwog.com/2024/05/live-updates-gaza-solidarity-encampment-day-15/ Adams, Live Updates: Gaza Solidarity Encampment Day 15 - Bwog]
*[https://www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2024/04/19/days-on-campus-programming-limited-following-on-campus-protests-arrests/ ‘Days on Campus’ programming limited following on-campus protests, arrests - Columbia Daily Spectator]
*[https://www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2024/04/19/columbia-begins-formally-notifying-students-of-suspension-for-participation-in-wednesdays-gaza-solidarity-encampment/ Columbia begins formally notifying students of suspension for participation in Wednesday’s ‘Gaza Solidarity Encampment’ - Columbia Daily Spectator]

[[Category: Protests]]