American police are cracking down on pro-Palestinian protests outside Columbia University in New York City. At least four protesters including a minor have reportedly been arrested during a gathering in solidarity with hundreds of students who are staging a sit-in on campus.

University management has threatened the “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” saying they must vacate the main lawn inside the campus. But Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine has called for more people to “bring a friend, blankets, and snacks” and join their demonstration.

The students are demanding that Columbia University divestment from all companies and institutions that profit from Israel’s genocide or occupation. They also want transparency of the university’s financial investments. The university enjoys deep ties with the settler colonial entity of Israel. The Israeli endowment is believed to stand at $14 billion.