Quick Hit:

Columbia University has suspended all in-person classes due to ongoing pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel protests on campus, causing safety concerns and escalating tensions. The university's President, Minouche Shafik, has expressed her deep concern over the situation and has called for a "reset" amid calls to resign.

Key Details:

• Columbia University has canceled in-person classes amid anti-Israel protests that have been ongoing for six days, with Jewish leaders urging Jewish students to leave campus.
• University President Minouche Shafik has expressed her concern over the situation, stating that the university community's bonds have been "severely tested."
• Politicians from both sides of the aisle have hit Columbia University, with New York Reps. Nicole Malliotakis and Elise Stefanik calling for Shafik's resignation over the "antisemitic" protests—and New York City Mayor Eric Adams saying he was, "horrified and disgusted with the antisemitism being spewed at and around the Columbia University campus."

Diving Deeper:

The decision to suspend in-person classes comes as a response to the escalating tensions on campus, which have been "exploited and amplified by individuals who are not affiliated with Columbia who have come to campus to pursue their own agendas," according to Shafik. The university president has acknowledged the deep moral distress experienced by many and has called for serious conversations about how Columbia can contribute to alleviating this distress.

Shafik has also stated that the university cannot allow one group to dictate terms and disrupt important milestones like graduation to advance their point of view. A working group of Deans, university administrators, and faculty members will be formed to try to bring the crisis to a resolution in the coming days. 

Shafik has encouraged students to report any incidents of intimidation or harassment they may now face on campus, noting that "antisemitic language, like any other language that is used to hurt and frighten people, is unacceptable and appropriate action will be taken." She has also reminded the university community of their common values of honoring learning, mutual respect, and kindness.

The anti-Israel protests at Columbia University are part of a larger trend of such demonstrations on campuses across the nation, following an ongoing counter-offensive by Israel in response to a sneak attack by Hamas terrorists last October.