Columbia Students Risk Arrest, Suspension to Maintain Gaza Solidarity Encampment on Campus

Students at Columbia University and Barnard College in New York have set up dozens of tents to occupy the South Lawn of the campus to create a Gaza Solidarity Encampment. Democracy Now! spoke to some of the student-activists, who say they are occupying the space, despite the administration's threats of suspension and disciplinary action, as part of a demand that the Ivy League school divest from companies and institutions that profit from Israeli occupation. "It seems like the repression is only getting worse and worse," says Maryam Alwan, a student-activist with Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine.

[kaecake]

“The further a society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those who speak it.”

[athomeinmyhead]

"I don't fight fascists because I'm going to win. I fight fascists because they're fascists." - Chris Hedges

[Lexomm]

It seems evident, emotionally mature, intelligent US citizens is not what the elites want.

[palosantoxxi]

The jewish voices in this fight are the most important ones because it counters every single thing the zionists claim.

[velvetlensfilms]

Universities should be an institution of education. They should not be associated with any corporations or any foreign countries. The soul purpose should be based on teaching and intellectual debates depending on subjects.

[MichelleKarbiner-Ball]

Bravo to these young people of conscience who seek truth, justice and peace.

[solochica]

Proud to be an alumni because of these students 🙌🏾🇵🇸✊🏾

[normandoseven]

Horrible that students are facing fascism alone by themselves. Where is the civil society?

[resurrectedone]

GAZA---"A Textbook Case of Genocide"

[evasteinberg]

I LOVE "the more you try to silence us --- the louder we will become"!😊

[menudobucket]

While it continues to worsen, my remorse for the plight of young people everywhere grows ever deeper. 😢 I just hope their majorities don’t become corporate captured by the forces of capitalism that serve only the elite and the affluent among us.

[BenSmit-es]

Maryam Alwan is incredible - states the facts succinctly. Very well spoken. Looking forward to seeing her excel in future.

[abbybilbeisi]

History and reputation of the school 🏫 will not be kind to them 💯

[taherehfakour]

We're Proud of you. Our hope is our new generation to demand justice for all as our pledge. THANK YOU

[bernaguvenc]

Thanks to the young adults of Columbia University and Barnard College!!! I commend you👏👏👏✊️

[professorfink]

There Are 21 Arab Countries (Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros Islands, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates & Yemen). There Are 49 Muslim-Majority Countries. BUT, There Is ONLY ONE Jewish State In The Entire World, living on their ancestral land of the Kingdoms of Judea and Israel.

[ArthurKhachikian-pu]

Proud of these young people. Enough with hypocrisy and corruption.

[pensivelyrebelling]

I can’t be more proud of every one of these students standing up for what’s right. Don’t let them kill that spirit in you! You’re making a difference every day you’re out there.

[sadatsuzandeh]

You brave students defeat our corrupted politicians

[juliaeberle]

Kudos to these students. Impressive and brave students. You should be proud of yourselves.