Protests Escalate at Barnard College Amid Bomb Threat Incident

MANHATTAN, New York — Tensions flared at Barnard College on Wednesday after a bomb threat prompted police to evacuate the library, where pro-Palestinian protesters were staging a sit-in. The threat was directed at the Milstein Center, a key academic building on the campus, sparking a police response that led to multiple arrests.

According to the college’s statement, as they attempted to de-escalate the situation, they received a specific bomb threat which necessitated immediate action. Police reported that nine individuals were arrested for failing to comply with evacuation orders amidst the chaos.

For weeks, Barnard has faced a wave of protests following controversial expulsions related to demonstrations deemed anti-Zionist. Protesters have criticized these actions as unjust and are demanding the reinstatement of expelled students. “Our demand is to reinstate the expelled students because of how unjust this process has been,” said one protester, adding, “We don’t intend on leaving until that happens.”

The unrest at Barnard aligns with a broader movement across several American universities, where students have been advocating for Palestinian rights. During Wednesday’s sit-in, demonstrators were seen chanting slogans and draping Palestinian flags while some wore traditional keffiyeh scarves, which symbolize solidarity with Palestine.

Barnard President Laura Ann Rosenbury strongly condemned the actions of the protesters, stating, “These continued disruptions take a toll on our community.” She emphasized that while dialogue is vital, it cannot come at the expense of safety and the academic mission of the institution.

The New York Police Department first alerted the public via social media, indicating that anyone who refused to leave the building during the evacuation would face arrest. They later confirmed that the bomb threat was investigated and cleared, allowing classes to resume the following day.

The Barnard Student Government Association issued a statement criticizing the involvement of the NYPD, calling the police presence an “act of cowardice.” They urged college administrators to engage in genuine dialogue rather than resort to authoritative measures. “In othering students who dissent, Barnard has found itself on the wrong side of their ‘line in the sand,’” the statement read.

As tensions continue, the college has seen protests expand beyond its campus, drawing attention and support from activists at nearby Columbia University, where demonstrations have also intensified in response to similar issues.

While Barnard officials seek to provide solutions, the protesters remain undeterred, expressing intentions to return to the campus following Wednesday’s events. With protests scheduled to continue, both sides are weighing the impacts of this ongoing conflict.