Title: Village Pump: Columbia University Palestinian Support Student Movement
For a detailed account, refer to the student newspaper:
- If you want multiple perspectives from students, this is recommended:
Below is a subjective log and related information from the perspective of (blu3mo):
2024/04/18
- A serious situation is unfolding at our university (blu3mo)
- Palestinian support student group occupies the campus square
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This morning at 4 am, students at Columbia University occupied the campus center and began the Gaza Solidarity Camp. Following the example set by students who occupied the university in 1968, the students are demanding that Columbia University withdraw its support from mass killings. pic.twitter.com/SqjJdmMW9B
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@(/villagepump/sukunasugi_jp) [April 17, 2024](https://twitter.com/sukunasugi_jp/status/1780603760726983125?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
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- Afternoon scene
- Current situation after about 15 hours of occupation (10 PM at night)
- Supporters are gathering around the occupied camp, and a demonstration is taking place
- Palestinian support student group occupies the campus square
- The university authorities have locked down the campus
- All gates except one are sealed off, and the remaining one is restricted to students only
- Supporters from outside the campus are also gathering
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‼️🇵🇸RIGHT NOW: Hundreds of New Yorkers are outside the gates of Columbia University, standing with the student organizers and the Gaza Solidarity Encampment! pic.twitter.com/gWXimrooPZ
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@(/villagepump/answercoalition) [April 18, 2024](https://twitter.com/answercoalition/status/1780768413125591054?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) - A large number of police officers and what appear to be riot police are outside the university
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JUST NOW🚨: Hundreds of police officers have been deployed! Along with dozens of SRG officers with batons and helmets. Officers are swarming the area! A cop riot is about to happen! pic.twitter.com/ursbveoBRY
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@(/villagepump/mfsgottenshook) [April 18, 2024](https://twitter.com/mfsgottenshook/status/1780765605441720341?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
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- Background
- The university is intensifying its crackdown on student movements supporting Palestine and criticizing the university
- The university president is currently being questioned in the U.S. Congress about whether the crackdown is sufficient
- (A majority of lawmakers are of the opinion that “hate speech against Jews/Israel should be further suppressed”)
- Live updates: Shafik testifies before Congress on Columbia’s handling of antisemitism on campus
- The president is under pressure from both sides, with one occupying the campus and the other confronting him in Congress
- Stay safe… ([/villagepump/nishio])([/villagepump/cFQ2f7LRuLYP])([/villagepump/sta])([/villagepump/seibe])([/villagepump/yuyuko])([/villagepump/はるひ])([/villagepump/Hiro Aki])([/villagepump/Hyou])([/villagepump/mtane0412])([/villagepump/meganii])([/villagepump/sume])([/villagepump/imo])([/villagepump/基素])
- I live in a dormitory 30 seconds away from the occupied area, so I will be cautious (blu3mo)
- Hiiee ([/villagepump/wogikaze])- “Seems noisy lol” (/villagepump/haruhi)
- I live in a dormitory 30 seconds away from the occupied area, so I will be cautious (blu3mo)
- “Scary” (/villagepump/imo)
- “Experiencing firsthand the restriction of freedom of speech by authority figures is the worst feeling ever” (/villagepump/blu3mo)
- (Even without specific threats, the fear that doing something disliked by those in power might lead to consequences can be paralyzing)
- “I am in a vulnerable position as an international student and scholarship recipient, which makes it even worse.”
April 19, 2024
Follow-up on April 18, 2024 (/villagepump/blu3mo):
The next day at 1 p.m., the police intervened and detained the students at the camp. Supporters of the protest surrounded the camp and continued chanting.
https://t.co/TWyZTgeeLM pic.twitter.com/tepyvX2XYb @(/villagepump/blu3mo) April 18, 2024 Protest supporters gathered and now occupy another square. It seems like there are more people than yesterday. pic.twitter.com/VYnPL8DMyV
@(/villagepump/blu3mo) April 18, 2024 Even with over 100 students arrested, the momentum is not fading but growing stronger:
- New students are gathering, turning the adjacent square into a campsite.
- Non-students cannot enter the campus, so the protests continue outside the university. Within the student community under observation, there is a sentiment that police intervention in peaceful protests is excessive. It seems like this issue is not being covered in Japan particularly?
- “I haven’t seen any coverage of this issue within my observation range; I only found out from word of mouth” (/villagepump/cak) (/villagepump/Hiro Aki) (/villagepump/takker) (/villagepump/seibe) (/villagepump/yuyuko)
- Regarding protest-related issues, Google’s Project Nimbus layoffs were reported in today’s Daily Brief.
- Over 100 arrested at Columbia University = protests over Gaza, even the daughter of a House member - NY | Jiji Press News
- As of 17:16:59 on April 19, 2024, there are no articles in Nikkei (/villagepump/takker)
- Hoping that the situation does not worsen to the extent that it is reported in Japan (takker)
- 🙏 (/villagepump/blu3mo)
- Nevertheless, the situation has already deteriorated significantly, so I hope the university’s response will be widely covered in the news (/villagepump/blu3mo)
April 19, 2024
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Entering the third day.
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Despite over 100 arrests and suspensions yesterday, even more students are participating in the occupation of the square today.
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The student newspaper, certain department bureaus, and the student council criticize the university president for the police intervention being excessive.
- Agreed (/villagepump/blu3mo)
- Editorial by the student newspaper Is Columbia in crisis?
- The occupation happening on campus appears to be a completely peaceful protest movement to me.
- I think this response is excessive for a peaceful protest (/villagepump/blu3mo)
- The university president is likely to face criticism from Republican lawmakers (/villagepump/takker)
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On the other hand, a very small number of pro-Israel students and alumni criticize the university president for being too lenient.
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Supporters outside the campus are demonstrating all day long.
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Surprisingly, the unrest has spread to other universities as well, including Yale University.- Pro-divestment protesters stay overnight on Beinecke Plaza, no arrests - Yale Daily News
- Protest activities occupying the central part of the campus here as well.
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University of North Carolina
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- The university preemptively revoked recognition of a Palestinian-supporting student organization.
- This doesn’t seem like a situation that will calm down (/villagepump/blu3mo).
- This is a worse response (/villagepump/takker).
- Update, 4/22/2024: A Harvard University group also had their recognition revoked (/villagepump/blu3mo).
- Unsure if this is a reasonable response or not under the current circumstances (/villagepump/takker).
- I think it will only escalate the situation.
- This is just speculation, but perhaps by revoking recognition, the university makes it easier to call the police in case of occupation movements or similar situations? (/villagepump/blu3mo)
- Our group had its recognition revoked a long time ago (/villagepump/blu3mo).
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Constantly hearing Sprechchor outside, the rhythm gradually gets ingrained in your brain.
- You can even hear it while in your room.
- Hearing unrelated drum sounds triggers the Sprechchor to play in your mind.
- Concerns about the mental health of (/villagepump/blu3mo) (/villagepump/takker).
- Can’t do anything but worry…
- I’m fine, thank you for your concern (/villagepump/blu3mo).
- I’m energetically working on development while somewhat disconnecting myself from what’s happening on campus (/villagepump/blu3mo).
- (/villagepump/加油)(/villagepump/takker)
4/20/2024
- It’s tough (/villagepump/takker).
- Hope everything is okay with (/villagepump/blu3mo).
4/22/2024
- Columbia’s occupation movement enters its sixth day.
- Activities on campus are generally peaceful.
- Study sessions, club introductions, and various events are taking place in the occupied square.
- As long as it’s just this, it’s peaceful and good (/villagepump/takker).
- Reference: https://www.instagram.com/p/C6DR5nKiahl/
- Gathering of faculty supporting Palestine also occurred.
- By the way, the tent gathering in the background is the occupied area.
- A small portion of the activities escalated, leading to harm to Jewish students.
- Additionally, outside the campus, there are demonstrations openly supporting Hamas.
- I don’t think this can be considered peaceful activity.
- Harming Jewish students is absolutely unacceptable, but let’s consider a different perspective (/villagepump/makoton).
- In December 2018, a resolution condemning Hamas as a terrorist organization did not pass the United Nations General Assembly.
- Hamas is still not considered a terrorist organization by the UN.
- Primary information is available here
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- Canada, European Union, Israel, Japan, Australia, United Kingdom, United States, etc. - <Countries considering Hamas’ military branch a terrorist organization>
- New Zealand, Paraguay- Countries that do not consider Hamas a terrorist organization include Brazil, the People’s Republic of China, Egypt, Iran, Norway, Qatar, Russia, Syria, Turkey, and others.
- Additionally, outside the campus, there are demonstrations openly supporting Hamas.
- The information provided here is from a Wiki page, and it is recommended to verify the current facts. [/villagepump/makoton]
- Activities on campus are generally peaceful.
- I wasn’t aware of this. [/villagepump/blu3mo]
- Is it possible that their stance hasn’t changed even after October 7th? [/villagepump/blu3mo]
- It’s not directly related, but if you want to understand the Gaza issue from a specific perspective rather than objectively, I recommend watching “Five Broken Cameras.”
- It’s a documentary film co-directed by an Israeli and a Palestinian. [/villagepump/makoton]
- It’s interesting as a documentary. [/villagepump/makoton]
- Hamas won the 2006 Palestinian Legislative Council elections. The election was monitored by the EU, and it can be considered a democratic election.
- I think they managed to attract not only Islamists and Hamas supporters but also those who were disappointed with Fatah.
- Subsequent events:
- Initially, they formed a cabinet on their own, but as the United States and Israel did not recognize it as a government, they included members of Fatah to form a unity government.
- At that time, they offered the United States during the Bush administration a proposal to recognize this unity government, create an independent Palestinian state with sovereignty over Gaza and the West Bank according to the Oslo Accords, and prepare for a long-term ceasefire agreement with Israel.
- In response, the United States and EU countries tried to manipulate a coup by involving members of Fatah.
- Similar to when the United States embraced General Pinochet when the socialist Allende government was established in Chile.
- This civil war marked the beginning of a complete blockade of Gaza. [/villagepump/makoton]
- Johan Galtung probably wouldn’t rest in peace with only these kinds of things happening. [/villagepump/makoton]
- Page for when political discussions intensify
- Dogs, cats, babies, delicious food, etc.
- This is quite serious… I hope this kind of behavior doesn’t become mainstream… [/villagepump/takker]
- If there are similar patterns in history, we could make rough predictions by referring to them.
- Something similar happened 60 years ago. [/villagepump/blu3mo] Reflections from Four Former Student Leaders of the Columbia University Revolt 40 Years Ago | Democracy Now Japan
- The statement “this kind of behavior” could be interpreted differently by different people. [/villagepump/nishio]
- Based on the statement “not converging but spreading further” 662714461280f0000091b424, it seems that the presence of protest movements is not welcomed.
- I believe that the presence of protest activities is desirable. [/villagepump/takker]
- Wait, but doesn’t the statement “not converging but spreading further” imply a negative view of protest activities?
- (Editor’s note: It’s long, so let’s cut it here for now. Refer to /villagepump/Columbia University Palestinian Support Student Movement for more information (blu3mo))
- I interpreted “this kind of behavior” as cases where activities escalate and harm Jewish students. [/villagepump/takker]
- I apologize for the confusion.
- Based on the statement “not converging but spreading further” 662714461280f0000091b424, it seems that the presence of protest movements is not welcomed.
- Our university has transitioned lectures to online/hybrid formats because the campus is not a safe environment for some students (mainly of Jewish descent).
- I see… [/villagepump/はるひ]
- I wonder what will happen with the exams in two weeks…? [/villagepump/blu3mo]
- There were protests in the past where students refused to take tests. It’s a form of resistance, right? I’m not entirely sure.
- Occupy movements are spreading to universities across the United States.- Some well-known universities include UC Berkeley, Yale University, University of Michigan, etc.
- In New York City, there are three universities.
- Rather than converging, the situation seems to be expanding constantly… (/villagepump/takker)
- I don’t wish for everything to be crushed and converged by police authority (/villagepump/blu3mo).
- I believe that freedom of speech through peaceful activities should be maintained.
- However, I do not desire any further escalation.
- Concerns arise about anti-Israel sentiments being associated with anti-Semitism (/villagepump/takker).
- I think this is one of the things the Biden administration is concerned about (though not the main reason).
- At least, I believe it is the main issue publicly (/villagepump/blu3mo).
- The White House just issued a statement expressing concern about the situation at our university today: Columbia University: White House condemns antisemitism at college protests
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“While every American has the right to peaceful protest, calls for violence and physical intimidation targeting Jewish students and the Jewish community are blatantly antisemitic, unconscionable, and dangerous,” the statement read.
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- The White House just issued a statement expressing concern about the situation at our university today: Columbia University: White House condemns antisemitism at college protests
- (/villagepump/takker) thought the main reason was that “Jewish people are influential in the government and bureaucracy, so they would lose their support.”
- I realize as I write this that it might be wrong since there is no source.
- That may be true, but it is not openly stated (/villagepump/blu3mo).
- I understand the public stance (/villagepump/takker).
- At least, I believe it is the main issue publicly (/villagepump/blu3mo).
- I am cautious upon hearing about isolated cases where activities escalate and harm Jewish students.
- As long as it remains within a certain probability range.
- Since it is only a small part.
- If this increases further, it will be really bad.
- I agree, but perhaps people supporting Palestine are thinking “while we are concerned about this, tens of thousands of civilians are dying in Gaza” (/villagepump/blu3mo).
- It’s very true, and it’s hard not to say anything to those people (/villagepump/takker).
- As long as it remains within a certain probability range.
- I think this is one of the things the Biden administration is concerned about (though not the main reason).
2024/4/23
- Government responses
- The White House, the Governor of New York, and the Mayor of NYC have condemned the “anti-Jewish movement” and expressed disapproval of the movement.
- Some members of Congress argue that the National Guard should be mobilized.
- Student movements
- As the movement spreads, SJP Columbia (one of the leading groups in the movement) argues, “Focus on Gaza, not Columbia.”
- Mentioned by a professor at the University of Tokyo (/villagepump/who).
- At the beginning of a cultural anthropology class.
- Regarding the struggle at Columbia (although he mentioned Harvard), he said, “Some may mock that nothing changes, but academia and politics are inseparable, and saying nothing is also a form of attitude.” He also said, “There is nothing at the University of Tokyo.”
2024/4/24
- Today, the Speaker of the House (Republican) and Democratic lawmakers visited the campus to express concerns about the spread of anti-Semitism.
- https://www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2024/04/24/congressional-democrats-visit-kraft-center-for-jewish-student-life-condemn-antisemitism-at-columbia/
- https://www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2024/04/24/mike-johnson-calls-on-shafik-to-resign-citing-reports-of-antisemitic-incidents/- Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, argues that the university president should resign.
- Negotiations between the students and the university are ongoing.
- It seems that various behind-the-scenes maneuvers are taking place, leading to a confusing flow of information.
- This morning at 4 a.m., a status report email from the university president was received.
- The university has promised not to mobilize the NYPD/National Guard against the students for the next 48 hours.
- The occupation activities have expanded to nearly 20 schools.
- Prominent institutions like Harvard University, Brown University, and France’s Sciences Po have also started occupations.
- (There is some debate on whether “encampment” is the appropriate translation for “占拠.“)
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Encampment is defined as a place with temporary accommodation consisting of huts or tents, typically for troops or nomads.
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- Sometimes, when a specific group’s dominance is justified by certain ideas or language, it is referred to as an Ideology. Therefore, it is important to be cautious if a word seems to reflect a specific way of thinking that may not be favorable to oneself (/villagepump/makoton).
- While the literal translation of encampment is “野営” in Japanese, it doesn’t convey the protest nuance, so the word “occupation” was chosen (/villagepump/blu3mo).
- That makes sense (makoton)(makoton)(makoton).
- I thought it might be because it’s used as a negative term like “occupying what belongs to us.”
- Yes, that’s a bit concerning (/villagepump/blu3mo).
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- https://www.instagram.com/p/C6Hcbmyu0z3/?img_index=1
- Interesting read https://www.columbiaspectator.com/opinion/2024/04/22/shafik-must-resign/
- The former Spectator editor-in-chief from the 1968 student movement era has contributed to the current Spectator.
- (Spectator is our university’s student newspaper with a 150-year history).
Media Coverage in Japan
- https://youtu.be/voup70nzalM?si=-_KYsYZLYrQ2HS3y
By the way, I live here (/villagepump/blu3mo).
2024/4/26
- The occupation at our university continues, and negotiations are ongoing.
- No significant changes have occurred.
- It seems that a certain student started it at the University of Tokyo.
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Started the Palestine solidarity camp
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at the Univ. of Tokyo
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Direct actions for Palestinian liberation have begun at several campuses, including Columbia University.
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Israel has destroyed all universities in Gaza…
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- There are no specific demands on the universities, and the purpose seems unclear (/villagepump/blu3mo).
- I think they wanted to join a global movement, and as a first step, it’s better than doing nothing (/villagepump/nishio).
- 20240623 update: They later announced specific demands and plans (blu3mo).
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2024/4/29
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Please visit the link to read the complete statement from President Shafik: https://t.co/aOqZVezkfe pic.twitter.com/G82lD4I9JS
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@(/villagepump/Columbia) [April 29, 2024](https://twitter.com/Columbia/status/1784942494683177387?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) - The university issued a statement declaring that negotiations have collapsed.
- If individuals voluntarily declare their identities and leave by 2 PM, no suspensions or other measures will be taken.
- I wonder if the NYPD will come after 2 PM (/villagepump/blu3mo).
- The situation of not knowing when a large-scale arrest by the police will occur continues.
- Demonstrators have gathered outside the campus, and as of 1 a.m., the protest is ongoing.
Morning of 2024/4/30- The original occupation camp is still occupied.
- Additionally, now one of the university buildings has been occupied.
- The building on the left in the center has been occupied.
- By the way, the one next to it is my dorm 🙃(/villagepump/blu3mo)
- Instagram post
- Dozens occupy Hamilton Hall as pro-Palestinian protests spread across campus
- They have brought barricades and it seems like riot police intervention might happen soon.
- In the 1968 movement, this building (Hamilton Hall) was also occupied, so they are following a historical pattern.
- It is important to learn what happened in 1968 during times like this.
- However, Wikipedia only has long articles in English.
- In times like these, use Fractal Summaries! (Direct Marketing)
- Link to Fractal Reader article
- Events during the 1968 occupation
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Many students sympathized with the goal of the protest but opposed the method of execution. About 300 students formed the “Majority Coalition” to oppose the unilateral building occupation.
- I see (/villagepump/blu3mo)
- The difference between 1968 and 2024 is that this time there is a gradual escalation.
- The sequence involves protesting, suppression by the university, occupying the lawn, mass arrests by the police, re-occupation of the lawn, negotiation breakdown, and the current situation, so there may be more understanding now compared to 1968 (/villagepump/blu3mo)
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Columbia University students held Henry S. Coleman, the Dean of the College, hostage until their demands were met. He was detained in his office for 24 hours before being released unharmed.
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In the early hours of April 30, 1968, the NYPD used tear gas to forcibly suppress the protest, resulting in the arrest of over 700 people, with continued protests afterward.
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The protests achieved two goals: severing ties with the IDA and canceling the controversial gym plans.
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As a result of the student demonstrations, Columbia University adopted more liberal policies. After the protests, the remaining weeks were canceled, and the rest of the shortened semester was completed without additional work, with passing grades given as policy.
- Please read this (/villagepump/blu3mo)
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- Events during the 1968 occupation
- Worst-case scenario for individuals can be imagined from here (/villagepump/blu3mo)
- External demonstrators break through the blockade and invade the campus, intensifying the situation.
- Since our dorm is next to the occupied building, we might get involved as hostages, as the building is connected to the underground tunnel, making it a possibility (/villagepump/blu3mo)
- For now, should I lock the door and go to sleep? (/villagepump/blu3mo)
April 30, 2024, Morning
- Due to the occupation of the building, the campus has been completely sealed off.
- Until yesterday, only students and authorized personnel were allowed entry.
- From today, even authorized personnel are generally not allowed entry.
- Only essential workers and residents of the campus dormitories can enter and exit.
April 30, 2024, Evening
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I have gotten used to living with many demonstrators, police, and media personnel, but from today, everyone else has disappeared.
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(Due to the building occupation starting, and the campus being off-limits to everyone except some students living within the sealed-off area)-
Link to Video
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Negotiations between protesters and Columbia University have broken down.
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The university has hinted at using police force again to forcibly remove protesters from the lawn. Meanwhile, protesters have just occupied one of the campus buildings.
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- Link to Tweet
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The NYPD is using something like an 井闌車 to enter through the second-floor windows.
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The university sent an email saying, “Do not leave the dorms. If you do not comply, you may be punished.” 🙃
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The NYPD has been thorough in keeping bystanders at bay, but a large amount of footage is still being recorded and shared among students.
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Feeling the power of everyone having cameras and social media.
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Students at WKCR are broadcasting live updates on local radio. They were just taken away by the police and are saying, “No one can record what’s happening at Hamilton Hall anymore.”#wkcr
- Reference the above tweets:
- Would appreciate it if someone could elaborate when they have the time (/villagepump/blu3mo)
- Feeling tired (/villagepump/blu3mo)
- It’s a tough situation… hang in there (/villagepump/seibe)(/villagepump/Hiro Aki)(/villagepump/yuyuko)(/villagepump/takker)
- Reminds me of the student movements in Japan (/villagepump/takker)
- Even though the backgrounds are completely different
2024/5/2
- Campus remains under lockdown
- Only residents of the dorms within the restricted area are allowed entry
- University authorities are trying to create a positive atmosphere like, “There have been challenges, but for now, let’s come together as students and university and move forward.”
- Instagram Post
- It is going to take time to heal, but I know we can do that together
- Video message from the university president: Instagram Post
- Protesters are saying, “It’s not over yet. The Gaza invasion continues, and none of our demands have been met.”- Last night, over 100 students and their supporters who were occupying a building were arrested. With the police expected to stay on campus for the next two weeks, it seems unlikely that any significant protest activities will occur.
- However, the situation is not expected to end there, as protests continue outside the gates link.
- A group gathered in front of the building that had been occupied and projected images without permission link.
- This kind of protest method is interesting, as some users found it modern and intriguing WikiLink.
- The projection against the national flag put up by the school was seen as amusing by some WikiLink.
- Following these events, there is curiosity among students about how the general student body perceives the ongoing incidents and protests link.
- Discussions among friends suggest an impression that humanities students are more actively supportive of protests compared to science students, although this observation is made cautiously to avoid stereotyping WikiLink.
(A chat excerpt from (blu3mo)):
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Within the observed range, there seems to be an impression that humanities students are more actively supportive of protests compared to science students, but this is stated cautiously to avoid contributing to stereotypes.- The Engineering Student Council had not recommended divestment, and many science professors were absent from signing a petition protesting against the university.
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5/17
- Op-ed titled “We hear you” published by the university’s “Anti-Semitism Response Task Force.”
- The term “you” in this context refers to Jewish students on campus who have concerns about various incidents.
- The Op-ed effectively summarizes the stance of the university authorities.
- Op-ed titled “We hear you” published by the university’s “Anti-Semitism Response Task Force.”