Columbia University president orders virtual classes as anti-Israel protests take over: 'We need a reset'

Students at Columbia University were told in an overnight statement that all classes will be held virtually on Monday as anti-Israel protesters have taken over the campus, its president announced.

Columbia University President Dr. Nemat "Minouche" Shafik said in a statement posted in the early hours Monday morning, that she was "deeply saddened" by certain actions of agitators, who have formed an "encampment" on the campus and have riled students and faculty with anti-Jewish slogans and chants.

"I am deeply saddened by what is happening on our campus," Shafik wrote. "Our bonds as a community have been severely tested in ways that will take a great deal of time and effort to reaffirm. Students across an array of communities have conveyed fears for their safety and we have announced additional actions we are taking to address security concerns. The decibel of our disagreements has only increased in recent days. These tensions have been exploited and amplified by individuals who are not affiliated with Columbia who have come to campus to pursue their own agendas."

"We need a reset," she added. "To deescalate the rancor and give us all a chance to consider next steps, I am announcing that all classes will be held virtually on Monday. Faculty and staff who can work remotely should do so; essential personnel should report to work according to university policy. Our preference is that students who do not live on campus will not come to campus.

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NYPD officers patrol as pro-Palestine protesters demonstrate outside of Columbia University’s campus in New York City on Thursday, April 18, 2024.  Columbia University President Dr. Nemat Shafik all classes will be held virtually on Monday. (Peter Gerber for Fox News Digital)

The Columbia University president then condemned "Antisemitic language" used by protesters and the "intimidating and harassing behavior on our campus." She also offered those staging the protests on campus to "sit down and talk" with those who they differ with.

"There is a terrible conflict raging in the Middle East with devastating human consequences. I understand that many are experiencing deep moral distress and want Columbia to help alleviate this by taking action. We should be having serious conversations about how Columbia can contribute. There will be many views across our diverse community about how best to do this and that is as it should be. But we cannot have one group dictate terms and attempt to disrupt important milestones like graduation to advance their point of view. Let’s sit down and talk and argue and find ways to compromise on solutions," Shafik said in the overnight statement.

Shafik also said she was hoping the school "will try to bring this crisis to a resolution" in the coming days.

"During the coming days, a working group of Deans, university administrators and faculty members will try to bring this crisis to a resolution. That includes continuing discussions with the student protestors and identifying actions we can take as a community to enable us to peacefully complete the term and return to respectful engagement with each other. I know that there is much debate about whether or not we should use the police on campus, and I am happy to engage in those discussions. But I do know that better adherence to our rules and effective enforcement mechanisms would obviate the need for relying on anyone else to keep our community safe," she said. "We should be able to do this ourselves."

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The Columbia University president also condemned the "Antisemitic language" used by protesters. (Peter Gerber for Fox News Digital)

"Over the past days, there have been too many examples of intimidating and harassing behavior on our campus. Antisemitic language, like any other language that is used to hurt and frighten people, is unacceptable and appropriate action will be taken. We urge those affected to report these incidents through university channels. We also want to remind everyone of the support available for anyone adversely affected by current events," Shafik continued.

She concluded: "Let’s remind ourselves of our common values of honoring learning, mutual respect, and kindness that have been the bedrock of Columbia. I hope everyone can take a deep breath, show compassion, and work together to rebuild the ties that bind us together."

Anti-Israel protesters took over the main lawn on Columbia University's campus in New York City, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. (WNYW)

The statement comes after the Orthodox rabbi at Columbia University and Barnard College sent a message encouraging Jewish students to leave campus and go home after protesters were caught on camera espousing full-on support for terrorism and supporting violence toward Jewish students.

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Rabbi Elie Buechler sent a message to hundreds of students recommending they leave "as soon as possible" until the situation improves, noting that "what we are witnessing in and around campus is terrible and tragic."

Rabbi Elie Buechler, the Orthodox rabbi at Columbia University and Barnard College, sent a message encouraging Jewish students to leave campus and go home. (Peter Gerber for Fox News Digital)

"The events of the last few days, especially last night, have made it clear that Columbia University’s Public Safety and the NYPD cannot guarantee Jewish students’ safety in the face of extreme antisemitism and anarchy," Buechler wrote. "It deeply pains me to say that I would strongly recommend you return home as soon as possible and remain home until the reality in and around campus has dramatically improved."

House GOP Chair Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., has demanded Shafik to "immediately resign" amid the protests and the threat to students’ safety.

Fox News’ Danielle Wallace contributed to this report.