Difference between revisions of "Occupation of Butler Library 2025"
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Revision as of 04:43, 8 May 2025
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.
Contents
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.
