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This week, a collective of protesters is gearing up to create tent encampments at Columbia University in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, as indicated by sources familiar with the plans and a meeting recording obtained by NBC News.
These upcoming encampments are reminiscent of the protest actions taken last year when around 50 tents were pitched on the university’s grounds to draw global attention to the war.
Last year’s demonstrations not only highlighted the conflict but also influenced the Trump administration’s attempts to hold Columbia accountable for alleged antisemitism on campus.
Planning for the current protests has been characterized by a high degree of confidentiality.
A meeting to coordinate the encampments was held on Tuesday evening at a community center in Brooklyn’s Bushwick, approximately 12 miles from the university’s campus, as recounted by an attendee and corroborated by messages circulated among organizers.
Invitations for this meeting were primarily shared in person or via phone calls, leading to a substantial turnout with over 100 participants, many of whom wore masks to protect their anonymity.
Rather than using real names, organizers opted for Signal usernames and amusing code names, such as “Squirtle” or “butterfly,” to identify speakers during the assembly.
Interestingly, the organizers have chosen to avoid referring to the actions as “encampments.” Instead, they have labeled them with the playful code name “circus” in both written and spoken formats.
On the days of the demonstrations, organizers advised participants not to wear masks on campus to avoid drawing attention from security personnel.
“This year feels so much more organized and careful,” remarked one attendee, reflecting the group’s strategic approach.
The university has not confirmed its awareness of the planned protests.
A university spokesperson stated, “Our focus is on protecting the safety of our community and ensuring that the University is able to proceed normally with all academic activities. We are closely monitoring, as always, for any disruptions, and campus activities are currently proceeding as usual.” They also pointed out that encampments contravene university policies and could lead to disciplinary measures.
Students aim to set up a tent encampment at the main Morningside Heights campus on Thursday and a second one on Friday at the nearby Manhattanville campus.
One organizer expressed their intent, saying, “When we take over the lawn, our goal is to unify the space and make it our own,” according to the meeting recording.
The first encampment is expected to commence at 1 p.m. on Thursday at the West Butler Lawn, the same site used for protests the previous year, and will likely conclude before dusk to avoid police involvement.
The Friday encampment, anticipated to be more substantial, will allow participants to occupy the space indefinitely, with expectations that some may face arrest.
The choice to hold the second encampment at the Manhattanville campus stems from its accessibility to the public compared to the main campus, which is more fortified against outside visitors.
Additionally, a speaker mentioned that this site was selected as part of a protest against the university’s role in the gentrification of Harlem.
Addressing the realities of their actions, a speaker acknowledged the likelihood of police presence and the potential for repression, stating, “Inaction is also violence,” which was met with applause from the audience.
The organizers have provided protest participants with a series of guidelines outlining legal risks, suggestions for navigating encounters with law enforcement, and digital security measures. These guidelines emphasize the importance of secure communication through encrypted channels like Signal and recommend disabling Wi-Fi during protests to prevent tracking by the university.
Students are also encouraged to complete a form with their personal information, medical conditions, and emergency contact details to prepare for possible arrests.
The organizers stated, “Given the Trump Administration’s commitment to pursuing federal action against pro-Palestine protesters and the abduction of our comrade Mahmoud Khalil, we are now asking students to prepare for potential prolonged detention.”
The renewed encampments reflect a broader movement that began with protests at the university last year, influencing activist efforts on campuses globally. Many involved in the previous protests faced arrest or disciplinary actions.
The current actions are a response to the escalation of violence following the tragic events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacks resulted in over 1,200 deaths and numerous hostages. The ongoing conflict has reportedly caused over 51,000 fatalities in Gaza and has displaced millions, according to health authorities in the region.
Student activists in the past sought to pressure their universities into divesting from corporations connected to the Israeli government.
These planned protests come amid the Trump administration’s intervention attempts in Columbia’s operations and higher education institutions more broadly. Recently, the federal government terminated Columbia’s federal grants in March, framing it as part of a campaign to combat antisemitism on college campuses.
In hopes of regaining funding, Columbia acceded to several conditions set by the administration in March, including implementing a mask ban at protests, hiring an outside observer for its Middle East studies department, and bolstering security measures on campus.
While some institutions, like Harvard University, opted to reject the administration’s demands and sue for the restoration of funding, Columbia’s compliance showcases the varying stances taken by universities in response to federal pressure.
This series of protests also follows instances where federal immigration authorities have detained student activists, further intensifying the climate of fear surrounding campus protests.
The anticipated encampments are thus not merely isolated events but are part of a broader narrative surrounding activism on college campuses amid heightened political tensions.
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