Columbia University Closes in Wake of Pro-Palestinian Protests

New York City Police Clear Protest Encampment

Oregon University Also Closes as Tensions Rise

Columbia University in New York City closed its campus on Tuesday, except for students living in residence halls and essential staff, after pro-Palestinian demonstrators took over. The university called in the New York City police to clear a protest encampment on campus last week, but it popped back up again over the weekend.

The city's police officers have rarely been welcomed on campus since the 1968 protests when they helped violently remove students. The university's president, Lee Bollinger, said in a statement that the decision to close the campus was made after "careful consideration" and that the safety of the university community was the "highest priority."

Portland State University in Oregon also closed its campus after pro-Palestinian demonstrators took over. The university said in a statement that the decision was made "in the best interest of the safety of our students, faculty, staff and visitors."

The demonstrations are part of a growing movement in the United States to show solidarity with Palestinians who are protesting the Israeli government's treatment of them. The protests have been mostly peaceful, but there have been some reports of violence.

The closure of Columbia University is a significant development, as it is one of the most prestigious universities in the United States. The closure is likely to draw attention to the growing tensions between pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian groups in the United States.