Silke Mayr Columbia University has suspended a student after quickly investigating a disruption in an Israeli history class. The incident occurred during the first session of Professor Avi Shilon’s History of Modern Israel course. Protesters entered the classroom, handed out leaflets, and caused concern among attendees.
Flyers with Violent Imagery Spark Concerns
On Tuesday, demonstrators distributed flyers with aggressive visuals to students attending the class. One flyer depicted a burning Israeli flag with the words “Burn Zionism to the Ground.” Another showed a boot stomping on the Jewish Star of David with the caption “Crush Zionism.” Elisha Baker, a junior studying Middle Eastern history, described the scene as shocking for everyone present.
The protesters, covering their faces with keffiyehs, remained in the room for about five minutes before leaving. Campus security arrived shortly afterward to gather information and collect photos and videos from students about the event.
University Stresses Zero Tolerance for Discrimination
Columbia University announced it had suspended one student pending further investigation. The identity of the student remains undisclosed. Interim President Katrina Armstrong stated, “No group of students has the right to disrupt another group in a Columbia classroom.” She emphasized that antisemitism, discrimination, or intimidation against community members would not be tolerated.
The disruption follows years of heightened tensions at Columbia related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Previous incidents included protests, building occupations, and even arrests. Last fall, the university faced leadership upheaval, with its president and three deans resigning amid controversies involving antisemitic incidents.
Columbia continues to investigate the recent disruption and has enhanced its security measures to prevent similar occurrences.