On Monday, Lady Shafik called for a “reset” on campus in an attempt to bring the tensions under control, moving all classes online.
She said there had been “much debate about whether or not we should use the police on campus”, and that she was “happy to engage in those discussions”, but that it was important to take the heat out of the protests.
“There have been too many examples of intimidating and harassing behaviour on our campus,” she said, adding that the “decibel of our disagreements has only increased in recent days”.
“These tensions have been exploited and amplified by individuals who are not affiliated with Columbia, who have come to campus to pursue their own agendas,” she said. “We need a reset.”
The announcement came after Elie Buechler, a rabbi, urged Jewish students to go home and protect themselves from the protesters.
“It deeply pains me to say that I would strongly recommend you return home as soon as possible and remain home until the reality in and around campus has dramatically improved,” he said in a text message.
“It is not our job as Jews to ensure our own safety on campus. No one should have to endure this level of hatred, let alone at school.”
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