February 26, 2025 - Dozens of pro-Hamas students seized control of a historic academic building at Barnard College, known as Milbank Hall, in New York City. This action appears to be a protest following the recent expulsion of two Barnard students who, on January 21, disrupted a Columbia University class titled "History of Modern Israel" by storming in with anti-Israel flyers and chants. The expelled students, seniors just shy of graduation, were part of a broader wave of pro-Palestinian activism that has stirred controversy on campus since the Israel-Hamas conflict intensified after October 7, 2023.
The takeover began early this evening, with the group, described as wearing keffiyehs and some wearing masks, pushing past Barnard security to occupy the building. Video evidence circulating online shows the moment they breached security, rushing through Milbank Hall. A pro-Palestinian student group claimed on social media that Barnard public safety officers responded with force, allegedly harassing and shoving protesters, with at least one student knocked down. They framed the occupation as a direct response to the expulsions, accusing the administration of stifling dissent and protecting interests misaligned with their cause.
Barnard College, closely affiliated with Columbia University, has been a hotspot for such activism, reflecting broader tensions over the Israel-Gaza war. The administration has not yet released an official statement on today’s incident. 17GEN4.com
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