Classes at Columbia University were shifted online on Monday as protests over the Israel-Gaza war heightened tensions on US campuses and led to dozens of arrests at Yale University.
Tensions flared between pro-Palestinian student protesters and school administrators at several US universities Monday, as in-person classes were cancelled and demonstrators arrested.
The protests, which began last week at Columbia University with a large group of demonstrators establishing a so-called “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” on school grounds, have spread to other campuses, including Yale, MIT and others.
Some Jewish students at Columbia have reported intimidation and antisemitism amid the days-long protest, which is calling for the prestigious New York institution to divest from companies with ties to Israel.
Classes were moved online Monday, with university president Nemat Shafik calling for a “reset” in an open letter to the school community.
“Over the past days, there have been too many examples of intimidating and harassing behaviour on our campus,” she said.
“Antisemitic language, like any other language that is used to hurt and frighten people, is unacceptable and appropriate action will be taken.
“To de-escalate the rancour and give us all a chance to consider next steps, I am announcing that all classes will be held virtually on Monday,” she added.
