Columbia Orders Protesting Students to Leave Encampment or Face Suspension, Possible Expulsion

Columbia University has issued a warning to students participating in protests to leave the encampment by 2 p.m. on April 29 or face disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion. The university has identified many students in the encampment and stated that those who do not leave will be suspended pending further investigation. Talks between university officials and student leaders have reached an impasse, leading to the ultimatum for protesters to disband. If the encampment is not removed, disciplinary procedures will be initiated, starting with suspension and possibly leading to expulsion. Students are urged to gather their belongings and leave the encampment promptly to avoid sanctions. If they voluntarily leave by the deadline, identify themselves, and commit to abiding by university policies, they will be eligible to complete the semester in good standing. The university hopes that protesters will comply with the request to disband peacefully to avoid further escalation. Shafik’s statement emphasized that protesting students were required to adhere to the university’s regulations regarding the time, location, and manner of demonstrations. She also urged those in the encampment to disperse voluntarily. Meanwhile, a group of 21 House Democrats criticized the “anti-Israel, anti-Jewish” encampment at Columbia University in a letter to the school’s trustees. The lawmakers expressed disappointment that the university had not yet disbanded the unauthorized encampment, causing disruptions on campus. This group, led by Reps. Josh Gottheimer and Dan Goldman, differs from GOP leaders who have also condemned the protests. Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republicans visited the campus and called for Ms. Shafik’s resignation. Chase Smith contributed to this report.

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