Columbia University students defy threat of suspension. Palestinian flag raised at Harvard

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US campus protests: Columbia University has issued a stern ultimatum to pro-Palestinian student protesters, urging them to remove tent camps from their campus. The university demanded that protesters sign a form and vacate the area by Monday afternoon or face suspension. Despite the deadline having passed, activists in Colombia continued their protest as chants and drums echoed from the camp of more than 300 people, news agency AP reported. Notably, no university official visited the area due to the lapse of the deadline, leaving around 120 tents still standing.

According to the notice sent by the university, the protesters were given a chance to complete the semester in good standing if they complied with the ultimatum. However, failure to do so will result in suspension pending further investigation, the AP reports.

The protests in Columbia initially sparked pro-Palestinian demonstrations across the US, with students advocating for their universities to sever financial ties with Israel. The rising tensions led to nearly 1,000 arrests at campuses across the country.

As the academic year draws to a close and graduation ceremonies approach, colleges are under pressure to clear out camps. According to reports, some universities have also canceled graduation ceremonies due to the ongoing protests.

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Protests continue at Harvard, Yale, University of Pennsylvania

While the number of new camps has decreased as the school year ends, the standoff remains at high-profile universities like Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania and Yale.

At Yale, protesters set up a new encampment after police removed the previous encampment. However, he was warned by university officials that he could face discipline and possible arrest if he continued to protest.

In response to the ongoing demonstrations, Columbia University has opted for remote classes and attempted to negotiate with protesters. However, no agreement has been reached yet, the AP reported.

The university’s handling of the protests has sparked legal action, including a class-action lawsuit alleging breach of contract filed on behalf of Jewish students and a legal group representing pro-Palestinian students. The US Department of Education has been urged to investigate Colombia’s civil compliance. Rights Act of 1964.

The fate of the arrested students remains uncertain, with demands for amnesty growing among both students and faculty.

According to the AP, Columbia University President Minouche Shafik said, “Students and administrators have negotiated an end to the disruptions, but the parties have not reached an agreement.” “Will offer an alternative venue for protests.” ,

Palestinian flag raised over statue at Harvard University amid anti-Israel protests

Notably, the Palestinian flag was flown over a statue at Harvard University, replacing the American flag that usually adorns the founder’s monument. The incident occurred amid ongoing anti-Israel protests.

Video footage from Saturday shows a group of pro-Palestinian protesters wearing keffiyehs, unfurling a large Palestinian flag over the iconic statue of John Harvard, the UK-based Daily Mail reports. The Harvard Crimson reported that the student protesters, along with two others, unfurled the flag at the prestigious Ivy League campus around 6:30 p.m.

However, within minutes, Harvard University Police officers intervened, removing the flag hoisted over the statue by 6:34 pm, the Daily Mail reports.

The statue of John Harvard, which normally carries an American flag, was momentarily decorated with a Palestinian flag, symbolizing the protesters’ stance on the issue. Additionally, the photos also capture a Palestinian flag draped over the statue’s lap and a keffiyeh around its neck, the report said.

As the protesters expressed their dissatisfaction, staff members removed the flags and chanted “Shame!” Like raised slogans. And according to the Daily Mail, “Free, free, Palestine”. Harvard spokesman Jonathan L. Swain condemned the protesters’ actions as a violation of university policy and said, “The individuals involved will be subject to disciplinary action.”

After the flags were removed, protesters remained defiant, expressing their willingness to face consequences for their actions. They gathered inside and outside the cantonment and provided their school IDs to the administrators.

Subsequently, administrators, led by Dean of Students Thomas Dunn, conducted ID scans, warning protesters of possible disciplinary actions, including withholding the degrees of graduating seniors.

Former university president Claudine Gay resigned earlier this year after criticism of her handling of anti-Semitism on campus.