Context:

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators occupied part of Columbia University's main library, attempting to reignite a previous protest movement by renaming the space and hanging banners. The standoff with Columbia security, which required protesters to show identification to exit, escalated to the point where the New York City police were called to the scene. The protest occurred amidst a backdrop of political tension, with the Trump administration having cut significant federal funding to Columbia over allegations of failing to protect Jewish students from harassment. As police intervened, approximately 70 demonstrators were taken into custody, and the incident further strained ongoing negotiations between the university and federal authorities. Columbia has implemented measures to control such demonstrations, but the incident highlighted the division and intensity within the pro-Palestinian movement at the university.

Dive Deeper:

• Dozens of masked pro-Palestinian demonstrators occupied Butler Library at Columbia University, renaming it 'the Basel Al-Araj Popular University' by hanging banners and attempting to rekindle activism from the previous spring.

• Columbia security blocked the protesters from leaving without showing ID, leading to a prolonged standoff while crowds gathered outside, causing a chaotic scene and prompting the administration to call the New York City police.

• The protest coincided with federal tensions, as the Trump administration had cut over $400 million in research funding to Columbia due to perceived failures in protecting Jewish students, complicating negotiations for funding restoration.

• Demonstrators were eventually escorted out by police in riot gear, with about 70 taken into custody, as the university faced criticism for allowing disruptive protests during finals week, raising concerns over campus safety and order.

• Columbia's administration has implemented stricter measures to control protests, but the pro-Palestinian group involved has become more radical, endorsing armed resistance and complicating the university's efforts to maintain campus peace.