In the latest developments at Columbia University, pro-Palestine protests have reached a "fever pitch" as tensions continue to rise amidst ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The demonstrations, which have been taking place since October 7, have intensified in response to Israel's military offensive in the Gaza Strip against Hamas.

On Thursday, protestors established the "Gaza Solidarity Encampment" on a campus lawn just hours before Columbia University President Minouche Shafik testified before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. Their demands include divesting the university from companies with ties to Israel.

New York Post columnist Rikki Schlott, a part-time student at Columbia, witnessed the events that unfolded on Thursday and Friday firsthand. She expressed shock at the situation, stating, "I would never have imagined that I would watch NYPD officers in literal riot gear need to break up hundreds of Columbia students who are willfully getting arrested in support of Palestine and in support of, I think, a cause that they really clearly don't fully understand."

The NYPD ultimately arrested 108 individuals and issued summons for trespassing, with two additional summons for obstruction of governmental administration. Although many protestors were peaceful and compliant, approximately 500 students confronted officers with derogatory insults, including referring to them as the "KKK" and "baby killers."

Despite the mass arrests on Thursday, protests continued the following day, with a strong police presence in riot gear reported at the university. Schlott noted a distinction between outside agitators and Columbia students, characterizing the former as "more aggressive" and "more radical."

Columbia University implemented increased security measures by restricting campus access to those with valid identification, aiming to prevent further unrest. However, protests are expected to persist, as a university spokesperson affirmed their commitment to upholding the right to protest within the boundaries of established rules and regulations.

While Columbia University declined to comment specifically on Schlott's statements, citing a statement from President Minouche Shafik, the spokesperson emphasized that the university remains in regular contact with students and student groups.

This series of pro-Palestine protests at Columbia University reflects a broader trend of activism seen on college campuses across the country. As the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to generate international attention and debate, the campus community grapples with balancing the right to free expression with maintaining an inclusive and respectful environment for all students.