In response to a reported chemical attack that took place during a pro-Palestinian rally, Columbia University has taken action by banning the alleged perpetrators from its campus. The incident occurred on Friday, during which protesters claimed to have been sprayed with a foul-smelling substance, requiring medical treatment.

Interim University Provost Dennis Mitchell addressed the situation in an email to students and staff, stating that Columbia University has been collaborating with the New York City Police Department to investigate what may potentially be classified as serious or hate crimes. Additional information regarding the incident was received on Sunday night, leading to the immediate banishment of the alleged perpetrators from campus as the law enforcement investigation continues.

Unfortunately, the University did not provide clarification on whether the banned individuals were students or disclose the exact number of people involved. However, according to the Columbia Spectator, 18 students present at the rally described being exposed to the foul smell, with 10 reporting physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and burning eyes. Additionally, some attendees reported damage to their property, leading to at least eight students seeking medical treatment at a hospital.

During the protest, three students claimed to have identified the substance as "skunk," a material used by the Israeli military that is described as having a scent similar to raw sewage or decomposition. Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine and the Columbia Chapter of Jewish Voices for Peace, both participating groups, jointly released a statement on Instagram, alleging that the individuals causing the disruption were two former Israeli military soldiers.

Law enforcement authorities have yet to confirm the identities of the involved individuals, but according to witnesses, two individuals were seen acting unusually and attempting to conceal their identities by wearing keffiyehs and sunglasses. One student recounted hearing them referring to fellow students as "Jew killers" and "terrorists."

This recent incident comes after Columbia University faced controversy late last year when it banned Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace following the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The decision resulted in mass walkouts by students and faculty members who opposed associating advocacy for Palestinian rights with support for Hamas.

The Friday rally was classified as an unsanctioned gathering by the university, potentially leading to interim sanctions by the Provost, including suspension for the rest of the semester. A Palestinian student at Columbia University, Dalia Darazim, expressed her dismay in an op-ed for the Spectator, stating that she felt targeted and unprotected during her time at the university. Despite her disillusionment, she also highlighted the unity among fellow Palestinians at Columbia who continue to strive for liberation.

Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace issued a subsequent statement expressing hope that the administration will take meaningful steps toward accountability in light of the attack. They criticized Columbia University for creating a hostile environment that emboldens such violent attacks and called for repair of the damage caused.

As the investigation into the chemical attack continues, Columbia University faces the challenge of addressing concerns expressed by students and fostering an inclusive and safe environment for all members of its community.