Pro-Palestinian rallies at major American institutions have sparked ongoing demonstrations, which have escalated tensions. CNN reported that House Speaker Mike Johnson called for the resignation of Columbia University’s president amid the continued demonstrations.
Demonstrators at Columbia University, where there were protests last week, are calling for the cutting of all connections with Israeli academic institutions and total divestment from companies associated with Israel in light of the ongoing confrontation between Israel and Hamas.
House Speaker Mike Johnson stressed the importance of maintaining order on campus and said the university president ought to step down if she is unable to bring everyone back to composure. According to CNN, there are differing responses from students to her resignation request. Some have expressed a desire to go on working with her.
Over 30 people were arrested during protests at the University of Texas in Austin, and after the police gave a dispersal order, about 50 protestors were arrested at the University of Southern California.
Esha Karam, managing director of Columbia Daily Spectator, cited student organisers in characterising negotiations between demonstrators and Columbia University officials on the removal of encampments on campus as “unstable”. The discussion has been continued for another 48 hours, but no decision has been made.
“We’re about halfway through that extended deadline of 48 hours and we heard from organisers on the student front earlier today in a press conference who told us that the negotiations are ongoing so unstable at the moment,” Karam stated to CNN.
There are around twenty-four hours left before the extended deadline. “but really after that, we don’t really know where things are going,” Karam stated.
The demonstrators, who include unnamed non-students, are occupying two buildings at the California State Polytechnic University’s Humboldt campus, threatening to keep it closed. With plans to close the campus for an extended length of time, school officials have voiced concerns about safety risks and property damage.
A Fox 7 photographer was arrested during altercations between demonstrators and police at the University of Texas at Austin. CNN stated that as of 9 p.m., the Texas Department of Public Safety had reported 34 arrests on campus.
Even as pressure increased, the Columbia University Board of Trustees issued a statement expressing their backing for President Minouche Shafik. They commended her management of the turmoil and dedication to resolving disputes while maintaining campus principles. The board pledged to work closely with President Shafik to tackle the campus challenges and foster unity within the community amid the ongoing protests, as per CNN’s report.