Over the weekend, two distinct groups emerged: one indulged in the distractions of Coachella, the other, at Columbia University, fighting for justice. 

Here’s what you're in for ​​☕:

• Campus Clashes: The Columbia-Barnard story.

• Scandal at USC: Asna, the talk of the town.

• U.S. Acts: Bills and policies.

• Upcoming: Listen up CUNY. 

KEEPING UP

What's Happening at Columbia and Barnard? 🏫🇵🇸

Columbia and Barnard students have once again demonstrated their solidarity, only to face severe repression from university authorities. Here's a rundown of the events:

🔇 First Since '68: 

Columbia University's President, Minouche Shafik, known for silencing advocates for Palestine, sent NYPD riot cops on the Columbia campus.

This is the first time since 1968 that Columbia has called police to arrest student protestors.

🏕️ The Encampment: 

On April 17th, at 4 am, student protesters put up tents on East Butler Lawn, showing solidarity with Gaza and demanding university divestment from companies with ties to Israel. 

Despite peaceful intentions, administrative staff threatened immediate suspension, a move in direct contradiction to the university's own policies.

🩸 High-Ranking NYPD Officers: 

Columbia not only brought in riot cops but also high-ranking NYPD officers, including Chief of Patrol John Chell, known as the "killer cop." Members of the NYPD's counter terrorism unit were also called.  

👎 Shame on you, Barnard

Over 50 Barnard students, allegedly involved in the recent protest, have faced suspension and eviction from their housing without due process. This equates to more than 1% of the Barnard community. 

These suspensions occurred 2 hours and 53 minutes before the arrival of the NYPD. These students, who are publicly outspoken organizers, have been targeted by Barnard, and had "Banned on Campus" posters created specifically for them.

🚨 Arrests and Aftermath

Following the arrest of 108 individuals, sanitation workers proceeded to dismantle the encampment, during which they:

• Destroyed their encampment

• Put all of their belongings in an alleyway

• Suspended anyone who attempted to pick up their belongings

🔄 Recap

Let's recap the challenges faced by Columbia University students: 

• Banning of their Students for Justice in Palestine organization (SJP)

• Doxing by Zionist students and groups

• Harassment by a Zionist professor

• Chemical attack by a former Israeli Defense Forces (IOF) soldier, resulting in dozens of hospitalizations

• Illegal surveillance by the university and NYPD

• Continuous attacks by the NYPD on protests outside the university gate

CONTROVERSY

Meet Asna Tabassum 🧕🏼📚

At just 21 years old, Asna Tabassum is on the verge of graduating with a degree in Biomedical Engineering and a minor in Resistance to Genocide from University of South California. 

Her journey at USC has not only shaped her academic pursuits but also motivated her to express her views, however that took a turn.

🎓 From Valedictorian to Revoked:

Less than 2 weeks after being selected as the valedictorian for USC's commencement ceremony, the school took back its invitation.

Provost Andrew Guzman cited concerns about the "alarming tenor" of social media discussions and "substantial risks relating to security."

🚨 Stalker Alert:

Asna, who is pro-Palestinian, emphasizes that her social media accounts have always been private.

However…

Critics point to a link in her public Instagram profile, alleging that it promotes "antisemitic rhetoric." In reality, the link advocates for Palestine and Asna refuses to apologize for it!

ISLAMIC REMINDER

SNIPPETS 

The U.S. House of Representatives approves a bill condemning the use of "from the river to the sea" as anti-Semitic. The U.S. House passed the resolution condemning the phrase as an anti-Semitic "call to arms" for the elimination of the State of Israel.

The U.S. voted no and vetoed to block a United Nations Security Council resolution endorsing Palestine's full membership in the UN. There were 12 votes in favor of the resolution: Russia, China, France, Japan, South Korea, Ecuador, Algeria, Malta, Slovenia, Sierra Leone, Mozambique and Guyana.

U.S. officials confirmed that an Israeli missile had hit Iran, occurring within a week of Iran's retaliatory drone and missile strike on Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously said that Israel would respond to Iran's attack.

The U.S. House has passed a $95 billion aid bill for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan. Within the foreign aid package, approximately $26.38 billion is designated for Israel.

UPCOMING

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