A group of pro-Hamas extremists have taken over a building at Columbia University in New York City, sparking controversy and debate about the university’s role in the situation.
The group, led by student Johannah King-Slutzky, is demanding that the university provide them with “basic humanitarian aid” in the form of food and water as they continue their occupation of the building.
King-Slutzky, a PhD student focusing on theories of imagination and poetry as viewed through a Marxist lens, argues that the university has an obligation to provide food to students who pay for meal plans, even if those students are leading a protest against the university. She justifies the demand by stating, “Do you want students to die of dehydration and starvation or get severely ill even if they disagree with you?”
However, critics, including journalists and a member of Congress, are questioning the group’s motivations and tactics. They point out that the protesters have deliberately put themselves in this situation and are essentially asking the university to support their cause by providing them with food and water.
One reporter fired back, “But they did put themselves in that, very deliberately, in that situation and in that position. So it seems like you’re sort of saying, ‘We want to be revolutionaries, we want to take over this building. Now would you please bring us food and water?’”
King-Slutzky responds by clarifying that the group is simply asking for a commitment from the university to not stop the delivery of basic humanitarian aid. It is unclear whether the university has attempted to do so, but the group argues that they just want to ensure that aid can be brought in if needed.
The takeover of the building has raised questions about the university’s response to the situation. While the protesters may have a right to peaceful protest, some argue that they should not be supported in their actions by the university, especially if those actions include occupying a building and disrupting the normal operations of the campus.
At the core of the debate is the question of the university’s commitment to its students and their well-being. While King-Slutzky argues that the university should provide aid to students, regardless of their political beliefs, others argue that the protesters have put themselves in this position and the university should not have to support them.
Reporter grills Columbia student after she demands the university help feed protestors occupying Hamilton Hall:
“It seems like you’re saying, ‘we want to be revolutionaries, we want to take over this building, now would you please bring us some food’.” pic.twitter.com/vNczSAM4T1
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) April 30, 2024
