The school cited safety concerns following reports of ‘threatening rhetoric and intimidation’ at an unauthorized event.
Columbia University has suspended two student organizations, citing repeated violations of university policies related to campus protests calling for a cease-fire in the Israel–Hamas conflict in Gaza.
The university’s vice president, Gerald Rosberg, who is also chair of the Special Committee on Campus Safety, announced the suspension of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), which described itself as a progressive anti-Zionist group, through the end of the fall semester.
The decision to suspend SJP and JVP comes after the two groups allegedly violated university policies multiple times, culminating in an unauthorized event on Thursday afternoon. Mr. Rosberg stated that despite warnings, the event proceeded and included “threatening rhetoric and intimidation.”
The suspension means that the two groups are no longer eligible to hold events on campus or receive funding from the university.
The statement indicated that the suspension could be lifted if SJP and JVP demonstrate a commitment to compliance with university policies and engage in consultations with university officials at the leadership level.
“Like all student groups, SJP and JVP are required to abide by university policies and procedures,” Mr. Rosberg said in a statement. “This ensures both the safety of our community and that core university activities can be conducted without disruption.
The decision comes amid heightened tensions related to the ongoing Israel–Hamas conflict, which has sparked protests and debates on college campuses across the country.
The conflict in Gaza erupted on Oct. 7 after Hamas terrorists initiated an unprecedented attack on Israeli border communities, resulting in 1,200 civilian casualties. Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs revised the death toll down from 1,400 on Thursday.
Following the attack, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have struck Hamas targets in Gaza, where terrorists often take shelter in civilian buildings, such as hospitals and schools, and in underground tunnels in residential areas.
The suspension of the two student groups follows a large-scale walkout on Thursday, where hundreds of Columbia students protested, urging the U.S. government to support a cease-fire in the Israel–Hamas conflict.
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