JNUSU condemns Columbia University’s decision to suspend, arrest students protesting against Gaza war

NEW DELHI: Extending support to the students of Columbia University in protest against Israel’s attack on Palestine, the Jawaharlal Nehru University Student Union (JNUSU) demanded reinstatement of suspended protesting students and dropping of criminal charges against them.

The student union opposed the talk by the United States Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti to be conducted by the School of International Studies as JNUSU finds the US backing Israel in waging war against Palestine.

As per JNUSU, Columbia University students are demanding riddance from the companies getting profit from the Israel-Palestine war. “It is deeply concerning that instead of engaging in dialogue, the university administration is resorting to repressive tactics. We condemn the university's decision to suspend and arrest students for exercising their right to protest. Furthermore, we condemn Columbia President Shafik's public call for the arrest of students on her own campus. This action undermines the very essence of academic freedom and free speech,” the students’ body said in a statement.

The students’ union asked the US university to stop using tuition fees “paid in billions” of student's loans to fund companies involved in war. JNUSU said that it stands in solidarity with the fight against the university’s exploitative policies and Indian government’s position in backing Israel.

“The world is witnessing a worrying trend of governments adopting authoritarian tactics to silence dissent. Students, journalists, and anyone who dares to speak truth to power are being arrested, intimidated, and punished. In these dark times, JNUSU extends its full support to the Columbia University's student movement. Their fight for justice resonates with students of JNU. We strive for a world where education empowers critical thinking, and universities where dissent is valued,” JNUSU further said.