Columbia University said on Wednesday that it has extended discussions with pro-Palestinian demonstrators to remove their camps on the school's lawn before taking further action against them.
The initial deadline for protesters to leave was Tuesday at midnight, or else the police might have intervened to dismantle the camp.
However, due to significant progress in negotiations with student leaders, the university has granted a 48-hour extension to the deadline.
Columbia stated that the organizers agreed to take down a “significant number of tents,” ensure that only those affiliated with the school are involved in the protest, and that participants will adhere to safety requirements and take steps to ensure no discriminatory language is used.
“In light of this productive discussion, the University will continue dialogues for the next 48 hours,” the school said.
The camp started last Wednesday, when several university officials were questioned at a House hearing about antisemitism on campus.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) will meet with Jewish students at Columbia on Wednesday. House Republicans from New York earlier this week called on the university president to resign.
The protests on Columbia’s campus have drawn bipartisan criticism due to allegations of violence and antisemitism at the camp.
The protesters have stated they will not leave until the university agrees to divest from Israel or any affiliated companies.
The camps have prompted Columbia to announce that classes will be online for the remainder of the semester due to safety concerns.
More than 100 students have been arrested since the camps began, with Columbia stating it will suspend those involved in the event.
