Columbia University Students Infuse 'Primal Scream' Tradition at University President House

On May 3, 2024, pro-Palestinian students at Columbia University staged a "Primal Scream" protest outside the residence of University President Minouche Shafik. The students chanted "shame on you" to express outrage over the detention of over 200 pro-Palestinian activists on campus. The protest is part of a nationwide movement that has seen demonstrations at more than 100 colleges and universities across the country since April 17.

The protests have sparked a national debate on free speech, academic freedom, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the complexities of balancing individual rights with institutional responsibilities. The protests have sparked a national debate on free speech, academic freedom, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the complexities of balancing individual rights with institutional responsibilities. The movement continues to grow, and it may lead to a reevaluation of university policies and investments, potentially influencing the broader discourse on Middle Eastern politics.

The protests, which have resulted in over 2,000 arrests, are calling for universities to cut ties with businesses linked to Israel. Demonstrations have been reported at universities such as UC Berkeley, UT Austin, University of Michigan, Yale, and Stanford. Police, sometimes in riot gear, have used tear gas and paintball guns to disperse crowds. Many of those arrested were charged with trespassing or disturbing the peace.

President Biden commented on the protests, saying, "The first is the right to free speech and for people to peacefully assemble and make their voices heard. The second is the rule of law. Both must be upheld." The protests have put to the test these two fundamental American principles. They have also become a political flashpoint, with Republicans and some Democrats calling for explanations from school officials and accusing the protests of being antisemitic.

Why this matters: On Tuesday, pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University and The City College of New York resulted in the arrest of 282 people, according to the NYPD. At Columbia, 112 people were arrested, with 29% not affiliated with the university. At CCNY, 170 people were arrested, with 60% not affiliated with the college. 46 people arrested inside Hamilton Hall were charged with one count of trespassing.

74 people were arraigned on Wednesday and Thursday in connection to the protests at both schools. At least six people face burglary charges related to the protests. Dozens of protesters had entered Hamilton Hall and barricaded themselves inside before Columbia asked for the NYPD's assistance. Protesters in the encampments outside could be charged with trespassing and disorderly conduct.

The protests began in response to Israel's military bombardment of Gaza and have grown into a broader movement calling for universities to divest from Israel. Universities are struggling to balance free speech with maintaining order on campus amidst ongoing protests. The detention of over 200 pro-Palestinian students at Columbia has sparked outrage among activists, who see it as an attempt to silence their voices. University officials argue they have a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of all students.

The "Primal Scream" protest at Columbia marks a significant show of dissent against the university's handling of the situation, with students demanding action and accountability from the administration. As one protester at George Washington University chanted, "There is only one solution: intifada, revolution!" The protests show no signs of slowing down, and the debate over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on college campuses is likely to continue for the foreseeable future.

Key Takeaways

• Pro-Palestinian students at Columbia University staged a "Primal Scream" protest outside the president's home.
• Over 2,000 arrests made at 150+ colleges and universities across the US since April 17.
• Protests demand universities cut ties with businesses linked to Israel, sparking debate on free speech and academic freedom.
• President Biden emphasizes upholding both free speech and the rule of law in response to protests.
• Protests continue to grow, with no signs of slowing down, and may lead to reevaluation of university policies and investments.