Columbia University Minouche Shafik on Tuesday warned anti-Israel student protesters they had until midnight to reach an agreement to dismantle their encampment — or else the school would “consider alternate options” to clear out the tent city.
Shafik said the student protesters had been in discussions with Columbia faculty and administrators to map out a path to abandoning their camp on the Manhattan campus lawn, which has already been cleared out once before since popping up last week.
“For several days, a small group of faculty, administrators, and University Senators have been in dialogue with student organizers to discuss the basis for dismantling the encampment, dispersing, and following university policies going forward. Those talks are facing a deadline of midnight tonight to reach agreement,” Shafik said.
“I very much hope these discussions are successful. If they are not, we will have to consider alternative options for clearing the West Lawn and restoring calm to campus so that students can complete the term and graduate.”
The threat comes just one day after Shafik canceled in-person classes, telling students and faculty that they “need a reset” as the heated demonstrations enter the sixth day.
