Watan-Media outlets revealed the text of a message sent by Columbia University President Neamat Shafik to the New York Police Department, requesting the dispersal of pro-Palestinian student protesters, dismantling of their tents, and removal from a building.
In the message, Shafik, who is of Egyptian descent, urged the police to evacuate Hamilton Hall, which was occupied by these individuals, stating that while the group includes students, it is led by non-university affiliates who vandalized university property.
Indeed, the New York Police Department, equipped with riot gear, raided Columbia University’s campus, arresting several students in the past few hours, following an order to disperse protesters gathered outside one of the university’s entrances.
Recorded footage showed the police entering the university campus, which had been a focal point of student protests extending to dozens of other universities across the United States and the world.
Solidarity and Strife: Palestinian Advocacy and Academic Repression in US Universities
Columbia University President Neamat Shafik sent the message to New York Police Department Deputy Commissioner for Legal Affairs Michael Gruber, with the following content:
The Message Text of Neamat Shafik’s message to the police.
Dear Deputy Commissioner Gruber,
I am writing regarding the disturbances on Columbia University’s campus.
As we discussed early on the morning of April 30, 2024, a group of individuals entered Hamilton Hall with the intent to occupy the building. The building was closed when the students decided to enter. One individual remained inside the building after closing and allowed others to enter. There were two security guards inside the building, and we managed to secure their release.
While we believe that the group that entered the building includes students, there are individuals leading them who are not affiliated with the university. The individuals who occupied Hamilton Hall vandalized university property.
Additionally, there has been an ongoing protest camp in West Lawn on the Morningside campus since Friday, April 19, 2024. Last night, an additional camp appeared in Math Lawn.
جيش من شرطة نيويورك يدوس بأقدامه ساحات #جامعة_كولومبيا، قبل دقائق، مهدّداً باعتقال المحتجّين المطالبين بالحرّيّة لفلسطين “من البحر إلى النهر”، والرافضين لحرب الإبادة الصهيونية المدعومة أميركياً.#غزة #غزة_تنتصر pic.twitter.com/Z3Ec9E6SfX
— أحمد بن راشد بن سعيّد (@LoveLiberty_2) May 1, 2024
After over a week of discussions with representatives of the group behind the West Lawn protest, we reached an impasse on Sunday, April 28. We informed the group that occupying spaces on campus is not permitted, and they are in violation of university rules and policies and must end the protest.
We informed all students in the West Lawn camp on Monday morning that they would be arrested if they did not disperse by 2:00 PM Monday, and participation in other camps on campus is prohibited.
At that time, all participants in the camps were arrested and are not allowed to be on university property, and their presence constitutes trespassing.
The occupation of Hamilton Hall and the continued camps raise serious concerns about the safety of those involved and the community at large. Their actions are escalating, and their activities have become a focal point for protesters outside our gates, posing a significant risk to our campus and disrupting the university’s ability to continue its normal operations.
The events on campus last night left us with no choice. With the support of the university’s Board of Trustees, I have determined that occupying the building, the camps, and the associated strikes pose a clear danger to individuals, property, and the university’s core mission and require the use of emergency powers to protect individuals and property.
With deep regret, we request the assistance of the New York Police Department to evacuate all individuals inside Hamilton Hall and all camps on campus. As part of the operation, we understand that the NYPD plans to use its own LRAD technology to notify camp participants of the need to end their protest.
In light of events on April 17 and 18, we also ask that you maintain your presence on campus until at least May 17, 2024, to maintain order and ensure that these camps do not return.
We trust that you will exercise caution and care in evacuating these camps from the campus. The safety and security of our community are our top priorities, especially regarding our students. We appreciate your assistance in handling this challenging situation in a peaceful and respectful manner.
Columbia is committed to allowing members of our community to engage in political expression in accordance with established rules, while also ensuring the safety of everyone. The policies we apply regarding protests are in place to support the right to expression and the safety and continuity of our university’s operations.
Thank you for your assistance in this extremely difficult situation.
Sincerely, Neamat Shafik