Tensions Rise at Barnard College Amid Pro-Palestinian Protest and Bomb Threat Hoax
Introduction to the Incident
On Wednesday, Barnard College’s campus in upper Manhattan became the center of a tense standoff between pro-Palestinian protesters, college administrators, and law enforcement. The Milstein Center, a hub of academic life at the women’s college affiliated with Columbia University, was evacuated after a bomb threat was reported during a sit-in staged by protesters. The New York Police Department (NYPD) responded quickly, declaring the threat "investigated and cleared" by around 8 p.m. However, the incident escalated when roughly nine individuals were taken into custody following the demonstration. Videos shared on social media captured the scene, showing protesters chanting, playing drums, and displaying Palestinian flags while wearing kaffiyeh scarves and face coverings.
The Protest and Its Purpose
The protest was organized by Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine (CSJP), a student group advocating for Palestinian rights. The sit-in began at around 1 p.m. as a response to recent actions taken by school officials, including the expulsion of student protesters and other disciplinary measures. The group also demanded amnesty for students who had faced consequences for participating in pro-Palestinian actions. Earlier in the week, pro-Palestinian protesters had entered the college’s Milbank Hall, where the dean’s office is located, and allegedly assaulted a school employee. Organizers claimed they had dispersed after the administration agreed to meet with them to discuss their demands.
The College Administration’s Response
Barnard College President Laura Ann Rosenbury condemned the protesters’ actions, stating that their refusal to evacuate the building during the bomb threat put the safety of students, faculty, and staff at risk. She emphasized that the college had no choice but to involve law enforcement after the fire alarm was activated and the evacuation order was ignored. President Rosenbury described the day’s events as “unsettling and disturbing” and expressed concern about the impact of such disruptions on the college community. She reiterated the college’s commitment to resuming its normal academic schedule on Thursday, signaling a return to stability.
Police Intervention and Its Aftermath
The NYPD took control of the situation, entering the Milstein Center wearing helmets and equipped with zip ties to detain individuals who refused to leave. Videos from the scene showed officers clearing the building and removing protesters from the lawn outside. While the bomb threat was ultimately deemed a hoax, the police action marked a tense confrontation between law enforcement and the demonstrators. The nine individuals taken into custody faced unclear charges, leaving many questions about the legality and necessity of their detention.
Pro-Palestinian Group’s Reaction
Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine dismissed the bomb threat as a "manufactured" excuse by Barnard administrators to disrupt the protest. The group pointed out on social media that even as the police investigation continued, detained students were brought back into the library, suggesting that the threat may have been a pretext to end the sit-in. The group’s posts on X (formerly Twitter) accused the administration of using the incident to silence pro-Palestinian voices and derail their advocacy efforts. This response highlights the deepening mistrust between student activists and college officials.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Tensions
The incident at Barnard College reflects the broader tensions surrounding pro-Palestinian activism on college campuses across the United States. While the protesters argue that their actions are necessary to bring attention to Palestinian rights, college administrators often face pressure to maintain order and ensure student safety. The situation raises questions about the balance between free speech, activism, and campus security. As the academic year progresses, the conflict between student activists and administrators is likely to continue, with both sides digging in their heels. For now, Barnard College has made it clear that disruptions will not be tolerated, while student groups remain determined to push for their demands. The resolution of this conflict will depend on dialogue, understanding, and a willingness to address the underlying issues driving these protests.
