Campus Turmoil: Columbia University Faces Renewed Protests Amid New Restrictions

The new school year at Columbia University starts amid renewed pro-Palestinian protests. Campus restrictions and police presence are the administration's response to avoid last spring's unrest, which saw over 30 students arrested. The protests focus on divesting from Israel, gaining notable student support but also sparking antisemitic tensions.

Columbia University is once again at the heart of controversy as pro-Palestinian student protests resumed just days before the new academic year. The protests, marked by noisy demonstrations, follow last spring's widespread campus unrest.

New campus restrictions have been implemented to prevent a repeat of the intense clashes, which led to the arrest of over 30 student protesters. Columbia's interim president, Dr. Katrina Armstrong, emphasized the university's commitment to open debate while managing the protests efficiently.

Despite the administration's efforts, the protests—driven by demands to divest from Israel—continue to gain support among students, igniting tensions and allegations of antisemitism and discrimination on campus.

(With inputs from agencies.)