More than 50 anti-Israel protesters took over a Barnard College building on Wednesday, allegedly assaulting an employee, as they demanded the reversal of expulsions tied to anti-Semitic disruptions at Columbia University.

The takeover was sparked by the recent expulsion of two Columbia students for their disruptive actions during a class, where they distributed anti-Semitic flyers. As protesters called for their reinstatement and the lifting of sanctions against other pro-Palestine students, tensions highlighted a broader debate over academic freedom and the balance between student activism and the prevention of hate speech. This demonstration underscores escalating conflicts at prestigious universities amid the Israel-Hamas war, linking Barnard’s actions directly to the ongoing controversy at Columbia.

The expelled Columbia students were reported to have disrupted a History of Modern Israel class, exacerbating tensions among the student body and drawing attention from university officials. Their actions were part of a larger controversy surrounding anti-Israel activism on campus, leading to the recent protests at Barnard College.

During the takeover at Barnard, the protesters reportedly assaulted a college employee, necessitating hospitalization. A spokesperson from Barnard confirmed the violent incident, emphasizing the challenges that schools face when navigating the complexities of student activism and safety.

In addition to demanding the reinstatement of the expelled students, the protestors called for an amnesty guarantee for all students facing disciplinary measures for pro-Palestine advocacy. This demand reflects a growing sentiment among some student groups that punitive measures against activists stifle free expression and dissent on campus.

Barnard College has been actively engaged in dialogue to de-escalate tensions with student groups. According to the school's Vice President for Strategic Communications, multiple efforts were made to engage with the protesters and offer meetings, signaling an attempt to address their concerns directly rather than allowing the conflict to escalate further.

The protests arose during a designated week of action organized by the Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD) group. This student-led organization has been at the forefront of recent advocacy and protests at both Columbia and Barnard, making calls for divestment from companies that they argue support the Israeli government. The protests resulted in the takeover of a building at Barnard College, where a college employee was allegedly assaulted and needed hospital treatment. These events follow the expulsion of two students who disrupted a Columbia University classroom by distributing flyers with hateful speech, leading to demands for their immediate reinstatement.

Barnard President Laura Rosenbury reiterated the college's commitment to creating a safe and conducive learning environment for all students. In light of the protest and its violent turn, the administration is tasked with reaffirming the importance of both safety and free speech on campus while navigating the complexities of heightened emotions surrounding the Israel-Palestine issue.

As the protesters left the building around 11 p.m. after being warned of possible repercussions for their actions, it became evident that the situation remains volatile. University officials have stated that disruptions of academic activities are unacceptable, marking a clear stance against actions that threaten the integrity of educational settings.

The incident at Barnard is part of a broader pattern of high-profile protests on campuses across the country related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Both Columbia and Barnard are currently assessing the outcomes of recent events and considering their next steps to address student grievances while upholding the values of the institutions.

Both institutions have emphasized the importance of balance in addressing these issues, recognizing the right of students to protest while also maintaining a commitment to the safety and security of all individuals on campus. The developments at Barnard and Columbia reflect ongoing challenges that universities face as they navigate the complexities of student activism in a politically charged environment.