Pro-Palestinian student protesters at Columbia University have continued their demonstrations for a third day, undeterred by the mass suspensions and arrests that have taken place. The protesters remain steadfast in their cause, stating that their resolve has only been strengthened by the recent actions taken against them.

Among those arrested on Thursday was Eliette, a Columbia graduate student who was one of the 113 individuals taken into custody after the university requested police intervention to dismantle a tent encampment set up in support of Gaza on the south lawn. Fearing retaliation from the school, Eliette, who uses they/them pronouns, declined to provide their last name.

Columbia President Nemat "Minouche" Shafik, in a memo to police, cited multiple warnings to disperse that were ignored by the protesters. Shafik added that the students were trespassing and causing damage to campus property, among other violations. However, NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban stated at a news conference that the arrested students had been peaceful and non-resistant.

Eliette, who was released from police custody on Thursday evening, expressed their belief that the students involved in the encampment were on the "right side of history," emphasizing the significance of their actions. Another graduate student, Johanna, who also faced arrest and feared retaliation, recounted being transported to NYPD headquarters and waiting for approximately eight hours with her hands zip-tied behind her back. Describing the ordeal, Johanna spoke of bruised shoulders and wrists due to the prolonged handcuffing.

Despite the arrests and potential suspensions, Johanna remained resolute, stating that she would not be deterred from doing what she believed was right. The number of demonstrators has grown, with more people joining the protests on Friday. The campus space which previously housed tents now consists of large blankets, where many protesters were seen engaged in prayer.

Columbia University and Barnard College, however, have not disclosed the exact number of students who have been suspended or the duration of these suspensions. Columbia's policy on demonstrations, set in place since February, requires prior approval for protests in specified outdoor areas on weekdays from noon to 6 p.m. It was noted that the encampment established on Wednesday was not authorized.

A spokesperson for Columbia reiterated the university's commitment to enforcing regulations pertaining to protest activity while preserving the core functions of the institution. Barnard College, on the other hand, did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but in a previous statement, the college emphasized the importance of providing an inclusive environment free from harassment.

Tensions over freedom of speech have been escalating on college campuses across the United States since the start of the conflict between Israel and Hamas in October. The protests at Columbia University reflect the ongoing global dialogue surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the various perspectives that exist on the issue.