Context:

Columbia University suspended over 65 students and barred additional participants after a pro-Palestinian protest took place in the main library, involving students and alums from affiliated institutions like Barnard College. Interim suspensions prevent students from attending classes or university activities, though the duration of these measures is yet to be determined pending further investigation. The protest, which led to approximately 80 arrests, involved demonstrators pushing past security, displaying Palestinian flags, and vandalizing library property. The university condemned the protest as a significant disruption, prompting intervention from New York City police to disperse the crowd. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced an investigation into the visa status of international participants, following previous federal actions against universities over student protests related to the Gaza conflict.

Dive Deeper:

• Columbia University suspended over 65 students and barred 33 others from campus after a pro-Palestinian protest, with interim suspensions restricting their campus activities until further investigation concludes.

• The protest involved pushing past security into the main library, where approximately 80 people, including students and alums, were arrested, primarily on trespassing charges, with some also facing disorderly conduct accusations.

• Protesters displayed Palestinian flags and banners and vandalized library property with phrases like 'Columbia will burn,' prompting university officials to call for police intervention.

• The university condemned the protest as an 'outrageous' disruption, especially concerning students preparing for final exams, and sought police assistance to restore order.

• U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that his office would review the visa status of international participants for possible deportation, reflecting ongoing federal scrutiny of student protests.

• The Trump administration has previously withdrawn federal funding and detained international students at prestigious universities like Columbia in response to their handling of protests against the Gaza conflict.

• The protest's impact extends beyond disciplinary actions, as it highlights the tensions and administrative challenges faced by academic institutions when addressing politically charged demonstrations.