Statement from the Columbia Student coalition: “Students take over Hamilton Hall after Columbia’s persistent refusal to divest, complicity in genocide, & continued violence against its students. This escalation is in line with the historical student movements of 1968, 1985, and 1996, which Columbia repressed then and celebrates today. This action will force the University to confront the blood on its hands. We are inspired by the courageous students who are putting their bodies and livelihoods on the line to protest genocide. Over the past two weeks, Columbia has been negotiating in bad faith with student representatives. The administration has threatened mass suspension and eviction and even considered calling the National Guard on its students. These actions are the latest in the University’s 7 month complicity in Israel’s ongoing genocidal assault on the Gaza strip. An autonomous group of students has taken matters into their own hands. They will remain in Hamilton until the University divests from death. The students are on the right side of history. We know that the university will remember them as anti-apartheid, anti-genocide activists with moral clarity—the real test is how Columbia chooses to respond. This action reflects the student body’s overwhelming support for divestment from the Israeli occupation.We stand with these students and commend their display of solidarity with the people of Palestine. The students will not rest until Columbia divests. Free Palestine.”