Pro-Palestinian activists occupied Columbia University's Butler library on Wednesday, leading to their arrest by NYPD after a lengthy standoff. Acting university president Claire Shipman requested police assistance following warnings given to protesters about potential disciplinary actions for trespassing. The activists renamed the space and disseminated pamphlets advocating for university divestment from entities profiting from Israel's actions in Gaza. Their protests were meant to signify resistance against oppression, using slogans that emphasized their solidarity with Palestine amid increasing tensions on campus.
"On Wednesday afternoon, masked protesters, many wearing the black-and-white checkered keffiyeh that has long been a symbol of Palestinian liberation, took over the main room on the second floor of Columbia's Butler library."
"We will not be useless intellectuals, protesters said in a statement shared online. Palestine is our compass, and we stand strong in the face of violent oppression."
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