New Developments at New York University and Columbia University
Source: CNN
Recent protests at New York University led to the arrest of students and faculty members on Monday night, as confirmed by the New York City Police Department. These events unfolded just a short distance from Columbia University, where pro-Palestinian demonstrations began last week and have now spread to various campuses across the United States.
NYU requested the intervention of the NYPD to enforce the law on campus, although the exact number of arrests made is yet to be disclosed. Efforts to obtain a comment from NYU by CNN are ongoing.
Meanwhile, at Columbia University, tensions escalated on Monday, resulting in the suspension of in-person classes and heightened security measures to address safety concerns.
Columbia University has emerged as a focal point of unrest on college campuses in the US, with similar turmoil affecting NYU and Yale University, where numerous pro-Palestinian protesters were detained on Monday.
The security situation at Columbia prompted university officials to transition all classes to virtual settings on Monday, coinciding with the commencement of Passover. Columbia University President Minouche Shafik announced this decision in an effort to de-escalate tensions and encourage a thoughtful approach to the unfolding events.
In response to the escalating situation, the New York Police Department has increased its presence around Columbia University, with Governor Kathy Hochul visiting the campus to address security concerns and reassure students.
Concerns among students have been voiced, with many expressing fear and apprehension about their safety on campus. Some students, like Jacob Schmeltz, have opted to celebrate Passover off-campus due to heightened tensions.
President Biden has also condemned the antisemitic nature of the protests, acknowledging the need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing unrest.
Challenges Faced by University Leadership
President Shafik of Columbia University is facing criticism from various quarters for her handling of the situation, with faculty members questioning her decisions amidst the escalating tensions.
New Developments at Columbia University
Recent events at Columbia University have sparked controversy and debate among students and alumni. The decision to call in the NYPD to disperse a pro-Palestinian protest has raised concerns, with some now calling for the police to return and clear a revived encampment of protesters.
Political Response
US House GOP Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik and other New York Republicans penned a letter to university officials, blaming them for the chaos on campus and demanding immediate action. The lawmakers described the situation as “anarchy” engulfing the prestigious university.
Alumni Concerns
Billionaire and Columbia graduate Robert Kraft expressed his disappointment with the ongoing protests, stating that he is withholding donations to the university due to concerns about student and staff safety. Kraft emphasized the need for corrective action to be taken to restore the university’s reputation.
University Response
In response to Kraft’s comments, Columbia spokesperson Samantha Slater expressed gratitude for his past contributions and reassured the community of their focus on providing support and maintaining campus safety during this challenging time.
Student Perspectives
Student leaders, such as Schmeltz from the Jewish on Campus Student Union, have described the recent events as a ”disaster,” highlighting the fear and anxiety felt by Jewish students on campus.
Protest Organizers’ Statement
Organizers of the campus protest, Columbia University Apartheid Divest and Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine, released a statement distancing themselves from non-student protesters and emphasizing their commitment to peaceful demonstrations. They rejected hate and bigotry, emphasizing solidarity among students of diverse backgrounds.
Nationwide Impact
Similar protests have emerged at other universities, including Emerson College and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where students have set up encampments in solidarity with their peers at Columbia.
Pro-Palestinian Encampments Spread Across US Universities
Recent reports from The Boston Globe reveal that pro-Palestinian encampments have emerged at various universities, including Yale, NYU, Harvard, the University of Michigan, the University of North Carolina, and Boston University.
Continued Demonstrations and Responses
As Columbia students transitioned to virtual learning, a group of protesters gathered on the university’s West Lawn, setting up tents and tables stocked with essentials. Signs advocating for an end to the Gaza siege and welcoming solidarity with Palestine adorned the area.
The encampment is exclusively accessible to campus affiliates, where a range of activities such as teach-ins, dances, poetry readings, and film screenings are taking place. Students engage in various forms of expression, from completing assignments to creating protest posters.
While the encampment remains peaceful, external protestors outside the campus gates voice chants in support of their respective causes. A professor criticized the disruptive nature of these protests, expressing concerns about safety on college campuses for Jewish individuals.
Amidst the ongoing demonstrations, Columbia officials have initiated an investigation into allegations of harassment against a faculty member, Shai Davidai, who has been vocal about his stance against pro-Hamas groups and professors.
Image Source: Stefan Jeremiah/AP
Demonstrators advocate for universities to divest from companies allegedly profiting from conflicts involving Israel and Gaza.
Faculty members at Columbia have also shown solidarity with the protests, delivering speeches in support of the campus movement.
Columbia University Protests: A Controversial Crackdown
Voices at Columbia University are speaking out against the recent crackdown on student protests, with history professor Christopher Brown calling it unprecedented, unjustified, and dangerous. The events of Thursday, April 18, 2024, have left a stain on the university’s history.
Faculty members joined in solidarity, holding signs demanding an end to student suspensions and showing support for the students. The campus atmosphere has been tense, with concerns about escalating tensions and the presence of extremists.
Personal Testimonies
Adjunct professor Hagar Chemali expressed concern for the safety of students, advising them to stay away from campus due to the volatile situation. Student Noah Lederman shared his fear and frustration, highlighting the university’s failure to address his safety concerns.
Stefan Jeremiah/AP
NYPD officers at Columbia University during a press conference regarding the protest encampment on April 22, 2024.
Another student emphasized the unfair portrayal of protesters as dangerous individuals, while PhD student Jonathan Ben-Menachem raised issues of harassment and arrests targeting students supporting Palestine.
Interfaith Solidarity
Despite the tensions, student protesters have come together for joint prayers and will host a Passover Seder at the Gaza Solidarity Encampment. Ben-Menachem condemned the labeling of protesters as a threat to Jewish students, calling it a dangerous smear.
Yale University Arrests
At Yale University, police arrested at least 45 individuals, including students, during a protest at Hewitt Quadrangle & Beinecke Plaza. The Yale Daily News reported on the incident, which involved calls for divestment from military weapons manufacturers.
Journalists covering the protest were also threatened with arrest, highlighting the tense atmosphere on campus. CNN has reached out to university and law enforcement officials for further details on the situation.
Protests Erupt at NYU and Columbia Universities
Amid escalating tensions, pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli students clashed outside NYU’s Stern School of Business. The scene was marked by chants of “Intifada, intifada, globalize the intifada” from the pro-Palestinian side, while pro-Israeli students waved flags in response.
At Columbia University, the situation worsened following a terror attack on Israel by Hamas. University officials testified before Congress about rising antisemitism on campus, leading to a surge in pro-Palestinian protests.
Calls for Action and Safety Concerns
Columbia officials are working to resolve the crisis through dialogue with protesters and exploring potential actions. The university’s president faces calls for resignation, and Rabbi Elie Buechler advised Jewish students to stay home due to safety concerns during Passover.
Rabbi Buechler’s message to Orthodox Jewish students emphasized the need to remain home until the situation improves. Meanwhile, the campus Hillel expressed concerns for Jewish students’ safety and called for action from the university and the City of New York.
Increased Security Measures
Jewish student organizations have ramped up security for Passover events and services. The Kraft Center, a Jewish cultural hub shared by Columbia and Barnard College, will have police presence throughout Passover. Additionally, Chabad, another Jewish organization, has hired extra security for their Passover celebrations.
University Donor Supports School President Amidst Student Protests
A prominent university donor has extended his support to the embattled president of an Ivy League school, despite ongoing criticism from students regarding Israel.
In a recent phone interview with CNN, the donor expressed his approval of the school administration’s response to the situation, stating, “The president is now saying the right things.”
Continued Criticism of Student Protesters
However, the donor, who comes from a background of Polish-Jewish immigrants, reiterated his disapproval of the student protesters and their actions.
Current Threats to the Jewish Community
The donor expressed strong sentiments towards the student protesters, stating, “These kids are acting irrationally. They lack understanding of the situation and its complexities.”
The current crisis at the university poses a significant challenge for the school president.
In the aftermath of a contentious hearing on campus antisemitism, the presidents of other prestigious universities faced immense pressure and ultimately resigned.
The school president testified before the House Education Committee on the issue, leading to further escalation of protests on campus and warnings from political leaders.
This report includes contributions from CNN’s Elizabeth Wolfe, Ramishah Maruf, Paradise Afshar, Caroll Alvarado, Shimon Prokupecz, and John Towfighi.
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Bangkok Environment Agency Warns of Very Dangerous Heat Index: Outdoor Activities Prohibited
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April 23, 2024 09:15
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Environment Agency Bangkok warns today, April 23, that the heat index value is at level. “Very dangerous” Outdoor activities should be strictly prohibited.
Facebook Environment Bureau Bangkok posted a photo with the caption: “Notification of Heat Index values for Tuesday, April 23, 2024. The Heat Index value is at a very dangerous level . Outdoor activities should be strictly prohibited.”
HEAT INDEX means the temperature that the body can perceive at that moment (Feel like) as a function of the temperature and relative humidity of the air. Suitable for identifying the risk that the body will be more affected by heat than using the maximum temperature value
Regarding the effects caused by Exposure to air temperatures that exceed the level that the body can tolerate heat. It can affect the body both directly and indirectly, such as fatigue, dizziness, rashes, swelling, cramps, and heat stroke. People at risk include young children (0-5 years), elderly people (65 years and older). , patients or people with chronic diseases People who have to work outdoors for long periods of time People who exercise outdoors and tourists.
Thank you Facebook Environment Agency Bangkok
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Bangkok Environment Agency Warns of Very Dangerous Heat Index: Outdoor Activities Prohibited
Unions resume actions in prisons: Monday in Antwerp
Archive image. — © Joris Herregods
The joint trade union front of ACOD, ACV and VSOA is again organizing actions in Belgian prisons this week. This has been confirmed by trade unionist Eddy De Smedt (VSOA). A new series of actions starts in Antwerp on Monday.
Source: BELGA
Yesterday at 6:22 am
The strike post will be in Hasselt on Tuesday and in Ypres a day later. On Wednesday, the Minister of Justice Paul Van Tigchelt (Open VLD) will also play a football match against inmates from the Hoogstraten prison. Local branches of the union will hold a protest against the minister’s “ridiculous decisions”. There is another action in Dendermonde on Thursday, and in Leuven on Friday.
Since Monday, April 1, an indefinite wardens’ strike has been going on in Belgian prisons, in protest against overcrowding and staff shortages. The recent announcement of the closure of the open facility in Hoogstraten has also led to dissatisfaction among the staff. “The question remains what will happen to the detainees,” says De Smedt. “The training courses in the institution help prisoners progress and prevent recidivism.”
A Higher Consultation Committee is also scheduled for Wednesday, on the same day as the football match. The closure of Hoogstraten and the evaluation of minimum services are on the agenda, among other things.
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