Columbia University canceled in-person classes on Monday and police arrested dozens of protesters at Yale University, as tensions continue to rise on U.S. college campuses over the Middle East war.
The moves by the two Ivy League schools come hours before the Jewish holiday of Passover begins Monday night.
Officer Christian Brookhart, a spokesman for the New Haven Police Department in New Haven, Conn., said officers arrested about 45 protesters at Yale University and charged them with misdemeanor trespassing. All were released on a promise to appear in court at a later date.
Last week, police More than 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators arrested Columbia University had set up an encampment on its New York City campus.
Columbia University President Minoush Shafiq said in a memo to school officials on Monday that he was “deeply saddened” by what was happening on campus.
“To quell resentment and give us all a chance to consider next steps, I am announcing that all classes will be held virtually on Monday,” Shafiq said.
He said faculty and staff should work remotely as much as possible, and students who don't live on campus should stay away.
Shafiq said he understands that the conflict in the Middle East is terrible and that many people are experiencing deep moral pain.
“But we cannot force one group to dictate terms or try to sabotage important milestones such as graduation in order to advance their views,” Shafiq wrote.
Shafik said a working group of deans, school administrators and faculty would seek solutions to the university crisis in the coming days, but did not say when in-person classes would resume. Ta.
Several students at Columbia University and Barnard College announced they have been suspended for participating in last week's protests, including students at Barnard College. Ira Hirschidaughter of Democratic U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar.
A large group of protesters at Yale University regrouped after Monday's arrests and blocked roads near the campus, police spokesman Brookhart said. There were no reports of violence or injuries.