In a recent development, Barnard College has suspended several students, including Isra Hirsi, daughter of Rep. Ilhan Omar, for their refusal to leave an encampment on campus organized in solidarity with the Palestinian people in Gaza.

Isra Hirsi, 21, took to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to announce that she and at least two other students had been suspended for standing in solidarity with Palestinians "facing a genocide." This marks the first time Isra has faced disciplinary action during her three years as a student activist at the prestigious New York City-based school.

Expressing her determination, Isra wrote, "Those of us in the Gaza Solidarity Encampment will not be intimidated." However, Barnard College has stated that it temporarily suspended multiple Columbia and Barnard students who did not comply with written and verbal requests to vacate the unauthorized encampment on Columbia University's South Lawn on Thursday morning.

Columbia University President, Nemat "Minouche" Shafik, addressed the situation in a memo, revealing that there are over 100 people currently occupying the area. It is unclear how many students have been suspended, including whether Isra Hirsi is among them. The college also did not specify the duration of the suspension but made it known that students who choose to remain at the encampment will also face suspension.

In response to the suspensions, Barnard College emphasized its commitment to providing an inclusive environment free from harassment, stating, "Now and always, we prioritize our students' learning and living."

Isra Hirsi, who is actively engaged with a student group advocating for Palestinians, could not be reached for immediate comment on the matter.

Interestingly, during a congressional hearing held the day before the suspension, Rep. Ilhan Omar questioned President Nemat Shafik regarding protests on campus. Shafik strongly denounced antisemitism during the hearing. It is unclear if this exchange played any role in the subsequent decision to remove the encampment.

Barnard College's President, Nemat Shafik, issued a statement explaining her authorization of the police's involvement in clearing the encampment. She cited "an abundance of concern" for campus safety as the primary reason behind her decision.

As the situation continues to unfold, students involved in the Gaza Solidarity Encampment remain resolute in their quest for justice and continue to draw attention to the ongoing plight faced by Palestinians.