Time is up, but they’re not moving. Despite a stern warning from Columbia University demanding students protesting the U.S. response to the war on Gaza clear their encampment by 2:00 p.m. or face suspension, the protest is still very much alive.
Ignoring the ultimatum, students are rallying around their cause, demanding the university divest from Israel. The university, aiming to secure a peaceful campus environment ahead of the May 15 commencement, has offered to reveal its investments and review proposals on socially responsible investing.
Yet tensions soar as protesters, undeterred, continue to chant for transparency and divestment, even as the university threatens suspension to restore order for upcoming exams and graduation ceremonies.
Meanwhile, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked during the White House briefing if the administration believes the students should face suspension.
“We’re going to continue to say all Americans have the right to peacefully protest. At the same time, we have to call out any hateful rhetoric,” Jean-Pierre said.
Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.
