Columbia University holding remote classes amid pro-Palestinian protests entering 6th day

Columbia University switched to remote learning Monday, as pro-Palestinian protests are expected to enter their sixth day on the school’s campus in New York City.

Columbia University President Minouche Shafik announced classes would be held virtually “to deescalate the rancor and give us all a chance to consider next steps.” The university initially said it would offer a remote learning option, but then made it mandatory.

Barricades remain in place outside the school gates, and CBS New York has learned additional security guards will be on patrol, along with enhanced ID-checks at entrances.

“Faculty and staff who can work remotely should do so; essential personnel should report to work according to university policy,” the president’s statement continued. “Our preference is that students who do not live on campus will not come to campus.”

Shafik said she wants to sit down, talk and even “argue” to come up with a compromise to the tensions on campus, adding a group of deans and administrators will help facilitate those conversations in the coming days.