Columbia University protests of 1968

The Columbia University protests of 1968 were a series of demonstrations and occupations at Columbia University in New York City that took place in April 1968. These protests were primarily organized by the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) and the Student Afro-American Society (SAS). The protests were driven by opposition to the university's involvement in military research and its plans to construct a gymnasium in Morningside Park, which was seen as a symbol of gentrification and racism.

Background

In the 1960s, Columbia University was involved in research projects that were funded by the United States Department of Defense. Many students and faculty members opposed this involvement, viewing it as complicity in the Vietnam War. Additionally, the university's plan to build a new gymnasium in Morningside Park, a public park that bordered the predominantly African American neighborhood of Harlem, was met with criticism. The proposed design included a separate entrance for the community, which was perceived as segregated and discriminatory.

The Protests

The protests began on April 23, 1968, when students gathered to voice their opposition to the university's policies. The demonstrators occupied several buildings, including Hamilton Hall, Low Library, and Avery Hall. The occupation of Hamilton Hall was led by the Student Afro-American Society, who demanded that the university halt construction of the gymnasium and sever ties with the Institute for Defense Analyses.

The protests escalated over the following days, with more students joining the occupation and organizing sit-ins. The university administration, led by Grayson Kirk and David Truman, attempted to negotiate with the students but ultimately called in the New York City Police Department (NYPD) to remove the protesters.

Police Intervention

On April 30, 1968, the NYPD entered the campus to forcibly remove the students from the occupied buildings. The police action resulted in violent clashes, with many students being arrested and injured. The intervention was widely criticized for its brutality and further galvanized student activism across the country.

Aftermath

The protests at Columbia University had a lasting impact on the institution and the broader student movement. The university eventually abandoned its plans for the gymnasium in Morningside Park and reassessed its involvement in military research. The events also contributed to a growing awareness of issues related to civil rights and academic freedom.

Legacy

The Columbia University protests of 1968 are remembered as a pivotal moment in the history of student activism in the United States. They highlighted the power of collective action and the importance of addressing social and political issues within academic institutions.

See also

• Protests of 1968
• Vietnam War protests
• Civil rights movement

External links

• Columbia University protests of 1968 on WikiMD