Looks like Columbia University's new "designated protest zone" policy is a hit...with the NYPD! Over 100 students tried to spice up their campus life with a little unauthorized tent city action, but instead got a free night courtesy of the finest in New York.
Why the big bust? Well, seems Columbia's president, Minouche Shafik (bet that's fun at Starbucks), got grilled by Congress about some not-so-happy campers on campus. Apparently, these students weren't exactly fans of Israel and wanted the school to ditch any investments it has there. Shafik, eager to avoid another congressional roasting, decided to evict the unwelcome guests and uphold the sacred tradition of uninterrupted napping on the quad.
Our intrepid protestors put up a valiant effort, lasting a whole 30 hours before the NYPD swat team (or maybe just a regular patrol car) showed up. Most got slapped with trespassing tickets, while a couple earned bonus points for "obstruction of governmental administration" (probably argued about the merits of artisanal hummus with the arresting officer).
This whole mess has everyone pointing fingers. Mayor Adams says students can yell all they want, but follow the rules, while Shafik claims they tried to be the adults in the room (participation trophies not included). Meanwhile, Representative Omar's daughter, Isra Hirsi, got the boot from her fancy school for, you guessed it, being at the protest. Talk about a rough week - eviction notice, arrest warrant, and missing out on lectures about the history of existential dread in 19th-century literature.
So, what's the lesson here? If you're looking for a place to pitch a tent in New York City, avoid fancy college campuses and stick to Central Park. The squirrels might judge you, but at least they won't call the cops.
28 авг 2024
