Columbia promises protesters they will not call NYPD, National Guard to clear Gaza Camp in latest negotiation

On Wednesday morning, Columbia University leadership announced that they had extended negotiations with those occupying part of campus in what has become known as the Gaza Camp. Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine wrote in a Wednesday afternoon press release that the university had issued a written commitment not to call the NYPD or National Guard to clear out the camp.

 

"Columbia’s reliance on the threat of state violence against peaceful protestors has created an unstable ground for the negotiations process which will continue over the next 48 hours. However, Columbia’s written commitment and concession not to call the NYPD or the National Guard signifies an important victory for students," the group wrote.

Those taking part in the protest had originally been given a midnight deadline, but managed to secure an additional 48 hours to discuss the dismantling of the encampment. Meanwhile, President Minouche Shafik has faced a growing number of calls to resign over her handling of the situation.

In a statement, Columbia explained that "in light of constructive dialogue, the University will continue conversations for the next 48 hours," adding that officials are "making important progress with representatives of the student encampment."

The extension did not come without concessions from the other side, however.

Columbia said student protestors have "committed to dismantling and removing a significant number of tents," and "will ensure that those not affiliated with Columbia will leave."

"Student protestors," the university added, "have taken steps to make the encampment welcome to all and have prohibited discriminatory or harassing language." Additionally, they "will comply with all requirements of the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) with respect to activities and safety."

Shortly after midnight, Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine released a statement via X claiming that the university "threatened [Columbia University Apartheid Divest] negotiators to call both the National Guard and NYPD if we do not acquiesce to their demands."

"Without assurances of good faith bargaining and protections for nonviolent protestors against police and military violence," they added, "we will not be returning to the table."

While it is unclear whether university officials actually threatened to call in the National Guard, a number of Republican politicians pushed them to make the move. Among them were Sens. Tom Cotton and Josh Hawley.

"The nascent pogroms at Columbia have to stop TODAY, before our Jewish brethren sit for Passover Seder tonight," Cotton wrote in a post on X. "If Eric Adams won't send the NYPD and Kathy Hochul won't send the National Guard, Joe Biden has a duty to take charge and break up these mobs."