Pro-Palestinian protests continue at colleges across the US

The Columbia University Senate voted in favor of a resolution to create a task force to investigate university leadership’s handling of pro-Palestinian protests on campus, according to documents obtained by CNN.

The resolution passed Friday alleges, among other things, that the administration has jeopardized academic freedom, violated the privacy and due process of students and faculty members, and violated the principles of shared governance by calling for police intervention on campus, according to documents relating to the meeting.

After the investigation, the task force will present its findings and recommendations to the University Senate to determine further action and take necessary steps to address the administration’s alleged misconduct, according to the documents.

A little context: The move comes after school and university president Minouche Shafik was criticized by students, faculty and left-wing lawmakers after Shafik authorized the New York Police Department to break up student protests on campus, who urged school leaders to sever economic and academic ties. in Israel. At the same time, students, religious groups and right-wing lawmakers said the administration had failed to end anti-Semitism on Columbia’s campus and during protests outside its gates, according to CNN . Previously reported.

The Columbia Senate represents people on campus, including faculty, researchers, students, administration and more, according to the school’s website. The organization has the power to develop policies on various issues that affect the school.