Photo: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP / Getty Images
Plans for new protest encampments at Columbia University failed to materialize on Thursday (April 24), as protesters were a no-show despite previous announcements. The absence followed reports that anti-Israel demonstrators intended to set up tent encampments on the university's main campus in Morningside Heights, New York City. The planned protests were expected to reignite tensions at the Ivy League school, which has been a focal point for discussions between the federal government and students regarding antisemitism and campus safety.
More than 100 protesters met earlier in the week to coordinate the encampments, but none were seen on campus. Instead, students enjoyed the spring weather, and police officers who had gathered in anticipation of the protests left the area by 2 p.m. Columbia University had warned students about the potential for encampments, emphasizing that such activities are prohibited by university policy.
The university had prepared to dismantle any tents and arrest disruptive protesters. This comes a year after similar protests led to chaos and arrests at Columbia, prompting the Trump administration to withdraw $400 million in federal funding from the school, citing a failure to protect Jewish students.
Columbia University has since made several policy changes to address these concerns, including hiring more security officers and restricting campus access. However, the Trump administration has not yet reinstated the funding and is pursuing a consent decree to oversee the university's compliance with its demands. The situation remains tense as Columbia continues to navigate the challenges of balancing free expression with campus safety.