Columbia University threatens students occupying Hamilton Hall with 'expulsion'
Columbia University officials warned student protesters on Tuesday that those currently occupying Hamilton Hall "face expulsion."
In a message emphasizing that the top priority for the university is safety, university officials said that the anti-Israel protests will not be allowed to disrupt the work of the university in violation of school policies.
"We made it very clear yesterday that the work of the University cannot be endlessly interrupted by protesters who violate the rules. Continuing to do so will be met with clear consequences," university spokesman Ben Chang said in a statement.
"Protesters have chosen to escalate to an untenable situation — vandalizing property, breaking doors and windows, and blockading entrances — and we are following through with the consequences we outlined yesterday," he continued.
"Students occupying the building face expulsion."
Chang added that protesters were warned their actions violated university policies and said participants were given multiple opportunities to leave peacefully. Anyone who respected university policies would be allowed to finish the school year. Those that did not have now been suspended.
"Those students will be restricted from all academic and recreational spaces and may only access their individual residence. Seniors will be ineligible to graduate," Chang said. "This is about responding to the actions of the protesters, not their cause."
The disruptions to campus activities and "threatening environment" directed at Jewish students contributed to a "hostile environment" on campus in violation of Title VI, the university said.
Posted by Chris Pandolfo
