Columbia students call on school to crack down on protests that disrupt learning ahead of finals

Multiple Columbia University students on Thursday called for the school's administration to crack down on recent protests that have disrupted student life and learning ahead of final exams. 

The calls come after a group of anti-Israel protesters stormed a library on campus on Wednesday, bypassing security to do so, and took over the building while students were studying for finals. The New York Police Department (NYPD) arrested 81 people in connection to the protest.

Acting Columbia University President Claire Shipman authorized the NYPD to help secure the school from the rioters, but students such as Elisha Baker, a junior at Columbia, are now pushing her to discipline the protesters who are also students.

“I am looking forward to seeing any students involved disciplined for their behavior. There is no place for those actions on a college campus,” Baker, who also called the rioters' actions "outrageous and unacceptable," told the New York Post.

Natan Rosenbaum, who is also a junior at the school, echoed Baker's sentiment and slammed the protest.

“It’s a big shame and a big offense to students who are trying to study for the finals," Rosenbaum said. "It’s an unbelievably [in]considerate disruption that does frankly nothing for their cause. This is nothing more than sowing chaos and anarchy and I’m glad it was shut down."

Members of the New York Jewish community called for "serious consequences" for the students who engaged in the activities, including Joseph Postasnik, executive vice president of the New York Board of Rabbis.

“This happened during preparation for final exams — they don’t qualify as serious students,” he said of the rioters. “There should be harsh consequences — people were assaulted. Columbia needs to come down hard or this activity will happen again and again.”

The Department of Health and Human Services' task force on antisemitism praised Shipman's handling of the protest on Thursday, claiming she was "strong and resolute." 

"She has stepped in to lead Columbia at a critical juncture and has met the moment with fortitude and conviction," it added.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.