Majority of Arrestees Were Women in Columbia University Library Protest: Police Report

Published: Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 8:11 pm

**Columbia University Library Protest: Majority of Arrests Were Women, NYPD Report Reveals**

Tensions flared at Columbia University on Wednesday as anti-Israel protestors disrupted the Butler Library, leading to 80 arrests, according to a New York Police Department (NYPD) source. A significant majority of those taken into custody were women, with 61 female arrestees compared to 19 men. The protest occurred while students were preparing for final exams, adding to the disruption.

Demonstrators, who temporarily renamed the library "Basel Al-Araj Popular University," chanted slogans like "Free Palestine" and demanded the university divest from investments in Israel. Witnesses reported protestors climbing on desks and blocking access to the library. A security guard at the entrance confirmed the lockdown, stating, "Nobody comes in, nobody comes out."

Columbia University officials swiftly condemned the actions, emphasizing that disruptions to academic activities and any form of hate or discrimination would not be tolerated. The university's statement specifically mentioned antisemitism and violence as unacceptable. The university is resolute that calls for violence or harm have no place on campus.

Adding another layer to the situation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was monitoring the incident, with a source indicating they would assess the immigration status of participants.

BNN's Perspective:

This situation highlights the complex challenges universities face in balancing freedom of speech with the need to maintain a safe and functional learning environment. While the right to protest is fundamental, disrupting academic activities and potentially inciting hate speech crosses a line. The university's response, while firm, should also prioritize open dialogue and understanding to address the underlying concerns driving these protests. The involvement of ICE raises concerns about the potential for overreach and the chilling effect on free expression.

Keywords:

Columbia University, protest, arrests, Butler Library, anti-Israel, NYPD, women, students, final exams, Free Palestine, divestment, antisemitism, violence, ICE, immigration, disruption, academic activities, hate speech

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