What are the reasons for the protests on the Columbia campus and how long will they last?

Last week, police arrested more than 100 students at Columbia University following protests against the Israeli war against Hamas in Gaza.

The students had set up a tent encampment on the university’s South Lawn in support of Gaza and to demand that the school divest itself of any investments that were related to Israel.

READ ALSO: What do we know about NYU pro-Palestinian campus protests?

Students arrested and suspended

The protesters paid no heed to warnings that they leave or face punishment, as school officials told them the encampment violated school regulations. The students were arrested after Columbia asked for help from the NYPD to clear the encampment. The arrested students were reportedly delivering their message in a peaceful manner and did not resist. All were charged with trespassing.

Apart from the arrests, Columbia and sister school Barnard College have suspended dozens of protesting students.

On Monday, Columbia canceled in-person classes, and has now announced that hybrid learning will be used until the end of the semester.

Columbia President Minouche Shafik said in a statement to the school that she was deeply saddened by the events unfolding in the university.

READ ALSO: The colleges and universities that have set up a Gaza Solidarity Encampment

How long will the protests at Columbia University last?

Students have set up tent encampments again, and some of them have already spent some nights sleeping on the lawn. More than a hundred Columbia faculty members joined the protesters at the encampment.

The tent area is situated at the university’s main lawn where graduation ceremonies will be held on May 15. The student protesters held a press conference to stress their demand that the school sever its ties with Israel. These include a Columbia campus in Tel Aviv, and a student exchange program.

The students have vowed to camp on the lawn until the university gives in to their demands.