Columbia University protests of 1968

Columbia 1968 protests.jpg Students occupying the Low Library during the protests

The Columbia University protests of 1968 were a series of demonstrations and occupations that took place at Columbia University in New York City in April 1968. These protests were primarily driven by opposition to the Vietnam War, concerns over civil rights, and the university's plans to construct a gymnasium in Morningside Park, which was seen as a symbol of racial injustice.

Background

The late 1960s were a period of significant social upheaval in the United States, marked by widespread opposition to the Vietnam War and a growing Civil Rights Movement. Universities across the country became hotbeds of activism, and Columbia University was no exception.

In 1968, Columbia planned to build a new gymnasium in Morningside Park, a public park that bordered the predominantly African American neighborhood of Harlem. The proposed gym was criticized for its "gym crow" design, which included separate entrances for university students and Harlem residents, symbolizing racial segregation.

The Protests

The protests began on April 23, 1968, when students, led by the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) and the Student Afro-American Society (SAS), organized a rally against the gymnasium project and the university's involvement in military research.

Occupation of Buildings The protests quickly escalated as students occupied several university buildings, including Hamilton Hall, Low Library, and Avery Hall. The occupation of Hamilton Hall was particularly significant as it was led by African American students who demanded the university halt construction of the gym and address issues of racial injustice.

Police Intervention After a week of occupation, the university administration called in the New York City Police Department to remove the protesters. On April 30, police stormed the occupied buildings, resulting in violent clashes and the arrest of over 700 students.

Aftermath

The protests had a profound impact on Columbia University and the broader student movement. The gymnasium project was eventually canceled, and the university made efforts to address student grievances and increase student participation in governance.

The events at Columbia also inspired similar protests at other universities and contributed to the growing momentum of the student movement in the United States.

Legacy

The Columbia University protests of 1968 are remembered as a pivotal moment in the history of student activism. They highlighted the power of collective action and the importance of addressing issues of social justice and institutional accountability.

Also see

• Vietnam War protests
• Civil Rights Movement
• Students for a Democratic Society
• 1960s counterculture
• University of California, Berkeley protests of 1964