Pro-Palestinian students occupy Columbia University library, reviving campus movement amid federal scrutiny

Tensions at Columbia University reignited on Wednesday when dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters entered the main library and staged a sit-in, disrupting student preparations for final exams. The demonstrators, many wearing masks and kaffiyehs, moved into the second floor of Butler Library shortly after 3 p.m., hanging banners and chanting slogans. They renamed the space “the Basel Al-Araj Popular University.” The group behind the action, Columbia University Apartheid Divest, said in a statement that the occupation aimed to challenge the university’s financial ties to what they call “imperialist violence.” The protest is seen as a continuation of last spring’s unrest, which included the occupation of Hamilton Hall and a subsequent police response. This latest demonstration comes amid increased federal scrutiny. The Trump administration has accused Columbia of failing to protect Jewish students from harassment during past protests. As a result, the administration has cut over $400 million in research funding to the university. Officials have also been pressuring Columbia to prevent further disruptions, especially those perceived as anti-Israel. Videos posted on social media showed protesters carrying backpacks and pushing past a library security guard before heading upstairs. Columbia’s public safety officers eventually blocked exits, preventing some demonstrators from leaving. By 4 p.m., police said around 60 individuals were involved. A university spokesperson confirmed that only one reading room was affected and stated that those involved would face disciplinary action. “It is completely unacceptable that some individuals are choosing to disrupt academic activities,” the university said, as library staff evacuated students.