NEW YORK — Columbia University prepared for a wave of pro-Palestinian protests on April 24, 2025, as reports surfaced of planned tent encampments on its campuses in response to the ongoing war in Gaza. However, the anticipated demonstrations did not take place, leaving the university's Morningside Heights and Manhattanville campuses quiet, according to university officials and NBC News reporting.
The university had been on high alert following a leaked recording obtained by NBC News, which revealed plans for encampments on Thursday at the main campus and Friday at Manhattanville. Organizers, cautious after last year's protests, referred to the encampments as "the circus" in coded language and advised against wearing masks to avoid alerting campus security. Columbia's public safety team responded swiftly, reiterating that "camping and encampments on Columbia's campuses are prohibited by University Policy" in an email to the community.
"Our focus is on protecting the safety of our community and ensuring that the University is able to proceed normally with all academic activities," a university spokesperson stated. "We are closely monitoring, as always, for any disruptions, and campus activities are currently proceeding as usual". The university warned that encampments violate policy and could lead to disciplinary action, a stance reinforced after last year's protests, which saw over 200 arrests and the resignation of President Minouche Shafik amid criticism of her handling of the demonstrations.
Last spring, Columbia became a focal point for nationwide protests against Israel's military actions in Gaza, sparked by the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks that killed over 1,200 people. Students set up encampments, occupied buildings, and demanded divestment from companies tied to Israel, leading to clashes with police and accusations of antisemitism. The university faced further scrutiny this year when the Trump administration revoked $400 million in federal funding, citing inadequate responses to campus protests, prompting Columbia to tighten protest policies.
While Columbia saw no encampments, approximately 50 masked protesters wearing Palestinian keffiyehs gathered outside the City College of New York (CCNY) on Thursday afternoon, though it's unclear if they were linked to Columbia's planned protests. The absence of demonstrations at Columbia may reflect heightened security, organizer caution, or a chilling effect from recent federal actions, including the arrests of Columbia students Mohsen Mahdawi and Mahmoud Khalil for their roles in prior protests.
Columbia's experience underscores the ongoing tension between free expression and campus safety, as universities nationwide navigate politically charged protests. With disciplinary proceedings against past protesters still ongoing and new policies in place, Columbia remains a flashpoint for activism and debate.
© 2025 University Herald, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
