Columbia University student newspaper tells president she is aligning with 'wrong side of history'

The Columbia Spectator's editorial board released a statement slamming university President Minouche Shafik's decision to authorise the New York Police Department to "forcibly remove" pro-Palestine protesters.

"Shafik’s authorisation of the New York Police Department to enter campus and forcibly remove peaceful protesters spotlights the emptiness and duplicity of the promises she made to Congress and the Columbia community," the statement read.

Dozens of students have been protesting on campus in what they called the Gaza Solidarity Encampment, demanding divestment from Israel during Shafik's testimony in front of the US Congress.

Arrests have been reporting outside the university, and at least three students, including Congresswoman Ilhan Omar's daughter, have been suspended.

"Hundreds of campus affiliates stood witness as the NYPD disgracefully arrested over 100 of our classmates, friends, and colleagues for peacefully protesting," the board added.

"Similar scenes unfolded when the NYPD was previously invited onto campus over 50 years ago during the anti-war protests of 1968. History has made clear who stood on the wrong side then, and it’s clear that this is the side you are aligning yourself with now. This will be your legacy."