A second ultimatum for Columbia University students protesting in campus encampments expired on Friday but was ignored.
In a statement, Israeli university leaders and heads of research institutes expressed deep concern over the violence, antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiments on U.S. campuses, noting the support for Palestinian organizations and terrorist groups.
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Pro-Palestine protesters encampment on Columbia University campus
(Photo: Stephanie Keith / Getty Images)
"We acknowledge the efforts of our counterparts at these institutions to address these issues. We understand the complexity and challenges involved in managing incited and hateful groups, recognizing that extreme situations may require measures beyond the conventional tools available to university administrations," a statement read.
The Israeli institution leaders committed to assisting Jewish and Israeli students and scientists to enroll in universities in Israel if they so chose and "find a welcoming academic and personal home."
Columbia University president Minouche Shafik wrote in an e-mail that although her ultimatum has expired, there was progress in the negotiations and the talks continued as planned.
"For several days, a small group of faculty, administrators, and University Senators have been in dialogue with student organizers to discuss the basis for dismantling the encampment, dispersing, and following University policies going forward. We have our demands; they have theirs. A formal process is underway and continues. There is a rumor that the NYPD has been invited to campus this evening. This rumor is false," the message posted on the university's website read.
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Pro-Palestine protesters encampment on Columbia University campus
(Photo: Michael M. Santiago / Getty Images)
Mentioning the claims that she had called on the NYPD to intervene came after over 100 students who protested on campus were arrested leading to criticism of the president from all sides. Opponents of the protesters said Shafik had not done enough to prevent the protest from spreading.
Columbia's senate, representing faculty and students is expected to meet later on Friday to issue a warning to the president following some of her decision, primarily turning to the police to remove the encampment, last week. The warning would enable the senate to avoid a vote on Shafik's dismissal as some lawmakers demanded out of concern that such a vote would further destabilize the university.