Columbia’s protest response rebuked by all sides over free speech and public safety concerns

Columbia University‘s pro-Palestinian protests and campus occupation have drawn criticism from virtually all sides for the school’s inadequate response to both its free speech and public safety responsibilities.

Led by the 116-member coalition group Columbia University Apartheid Divest, the “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” has maintained its occupation of part of campus for more than a week. Despite heavy police presence and a since-passed deadline to clear the area that has been extended 48 hours, Columbia has been unable to thread the needle on speech and safety concerns.

“Violent conduct is the opposite of free speech. Universities have to crack down on violence in order to allow students to express themselves. That also holds true for disruption, punishable harassment, [and other] violations of university rules,” Zach Greenberg,

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