Columbia president calls building takeover 'violent act' that jeopardized campus security

Columbia University President Nemat Shafik said she and other faculty members tried to resolve the Gaza Solidarity Encampment through dialogue, but she said that the ultimate takeover of a campus building by anti-Israel demonstrators was a "violent act" that harmed campus security. 

She began a video statement released Friday by acknowledging that students have "paid an especially high price," as they had been forced to finish classes online after the encampment took over the campus. 

She said "many people" involved in the encampment were "largely peaceful," and administrators attempted to resolve the issue with them by having a conversation and proposing a deal, which was ultimately rejected. 

"Academic leaders talked with students for eight days and nights. The university made a sincere and good offer, but it was not accepted," she said. 

Details about the offer are unclear, but she said that the protesters ultimately "crossed a new line with the occupation of Hamilton Hall."

The demonstrators took over the campus hall late last month, and hours later, the school called the New York Police Department to assist in removing the protesters.

Shafik called the takeover a "violent act that put our students at risk, as well as putting the protesters at risk."

At least 29% of the 112 arrested demonstrators were not affiliated with the university, per the NYPD. Their arrest came shortly after police arrested about 100 demonstrators when the protests began several weeks ago.

Shafik also said the damage done to Hamilton Hall was "distressing," but she stressed that she remains "committed to working" to rebuild the campus community.

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