In recent days, New York City police officials have stated that Columbia University has expressed a preference for the NYPD not to be present on campus. This decision comes despite concerns raised over an anti-Israel encampment on campus featuring anti-Semitic and pro-terror chants, which have sparked serious security concerns for Jewish students, particularly at the start of Passover.
During a press conference, NYPD Deputy Commissioner Michale Gerber clarified that Columbia University is private property, and police can only enter in the case of a crime in progress or if someone is in danger. He mentioned that Columbia University has historically not wanted the NYPD present on campus, with rare exceptions when the university has requested police action, as was the case when students were trespassing and more than 100 individuals were arrested.
Despite calls from NYC Mayor Eric Adams condemning the anti-Israel rhetoric at Columbia University as "sickening and despicable," Deputy Commissioner Tarik Sheppard stated that there have been no credible threats to any particular group or individual arising from the protests.
Columbia University President Dr. Nemat "Minouche" Shafik has cancelled in-person classes and called for a "reset" in response to the tensions on campus. Instead of involving the police to disperse the encampment, the university plans to form a working group to address the situation and seek a peaceful resolution.
Shafik acknowledged the debate surrounding the use of police on campus but emphasized the importance of following rules and implementing effective enforcement mechanisms to ensure community safety without relying on external forces. The university aims to engage in discussions to address the ongoing challenges and foster respectful engagement among all members of the community.