Columbia University Protests of 1968: A History
Introduction
In April 1968, Columbia University was the site of a series of student protests that made national headlines. The protests were sparked by the university's decision to build a gymnasium in Morningside Park, a public space that was popular with students and community members.
The Protests
The protests began on April 23, 1968, when a group of students occupied Hamilton Hall, the university's administration building. The students demanded that the university cancel its plans to build the gymnasium and that it divest from companies that did business with South Africa. The protests quickly spread to other buildings on campus, and by the end of the week, hundreds of students were involved.
The university administration responded to the protests by calling in the New York City Police Department. On April 30, 1968, the police raided the occupied buildings and arrested over 700 students. The arrests led to widespread outrage, and the protests continued for several more weeks.
The Legacy of the Protests
The Columbia University protests of 1968 were a watershed moment in the history of student activism in the United States. The protests helped to raise awareness of the issues of racial and economic inequality, and they inspired a new generation of activists.
The protests also had a lasting impact on Columbia University. The university was forced to cancel its plans to build the gymnasium, and it divested from companies that did business with South Africa. The protests also led to a number of changes in the university's governance structure, including the creation of a student-faculty senate.
Today, the Columbia University protests of 1968 are remembered as a time of great social and political change. The protests helped to shape the university and the country, and they continue to inspire activists today.
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