### Tensions Escalate at Barnard College Amid Pro-Palestinian Protests and Bomb Threat On March 5, 2025, Barnard College in New York City became the center of a significant protest as pro-Palestinian demonstrators staged a sit-in at the college's library. The protest was aimed at demanding the reversal of the expulsion of three students who had previously participated in similar demonstrations. The situation escalated when a bomb threat was reported, leading to the evacuation of the library and the involvement of the New York Police Department (NYPD), which resulted in several arrests of protesters [https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2025/03/05/barnard-campus-pro-palestinian-protest-arrests, https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2025-03-05/police-responding-to-bomb-threat-clear-pro-palestinian-protesters-occupying-barnard-college-library]. ### Overview of the Incident and Its Context 1. **Background of the Protests**: - The protests were initiated in response to the expulsion of three Barnard students for distributing flyers during a Columbia University lecture, which was perceived as anti-Israel [https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/02/28/barnards-stand-against-hate-expelling-anti-israeli-protesters-who-disrupted-class-the-right-move]. - This incident followed a series of protests at Barnard College, where tensions had been rising over the treatment of pro-Palestinian activists [https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/2025-03-06/ty-article/.premium/pro-palestine-protesters-take-over-barnard-library-several-arrested/00000195-687a-d88e-a3f7-7e7fddd60000]. 2. **Details of the Protest**: - Protesters occupied the Milstein Library, waving Palestinian flags and distributing pamphlets, which included controversial material [https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/barnard-college-bomb-threat-library-protest-palestine-b2709948.html]. - The NYPD responded to a bomb threat that was reported during the sit-in, leading to the evacuation of the library and the clearing of protesters [https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/article/police-responding-to-bomb-threat-clear-pro-palestinian-protesters-occupying-barnard-college-library]. 3. **Police Response and Arrests**: - The police confirmed that the bomb threat was a hoax, but it prompted a significant law enforcement response, resulting in multiple arrests of protesters [https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/03/05/nation/barnard-college-pro-palestinian-protests]. - The NYPD's actions were part of a broader effort to maintain safety on campus amid escalating tensions [https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/03/05/pro-palestinian-protesters-barnard-college-library-in-demonstration-over-student-expulsions]. ### Evidence and Data Supporting the Claims - **Protest Participation**: Reports indicate that dozens of protesters participated in the sit-in, reflecting a significant level of student engagement on the issue [https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/nation-and-world/pro-palestinian-protesters-take-over-barnard-college-library-3315497]. - **Police Activity**: The NYPD's involvement included the evacuation of the library and the arrest of several individuals, highlighting the seriousness of the situation [https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/new-york/articles/2025-03-05/police-responding-to-bomb-threat-clear-pro-palestinian-protesters-occupying-barnard-college-library]. - **Historical Context**: This protest is part of a larger pattern of demonstrations at Barnard College, which have included previous incidents of disruption and conflict between students and administration regarding free speech and protest rights [https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/26/nyregion/barnard-college-student-sit-in.html]. ### Conclusion: A Complex Situation at Barnard College The events at Barnard College illustrate a complex interplay of student activism, administrative responses, and law enforcement involvement. 1. **Key Findings**: - **Protests are escalating**: The protests reflect deep divisions within the student body regarding issues of free speech and political expression related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. - **Law enforcement's role is critical**: The NYPD's response to the bomb threat underscores the challenges of managing campus safety amid politically charged protests. 2. **Next Steps**: - The college administration may need to address the underlying issues that led to the protests, including the expulsion of students and the broader context of free speech on campus. - Ongoing dialogue between students and administration could help mitigate future conflicts and foster a more inclusive environment for diverse viewpoints [https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/propalestine-protesters-storm-barnard-college-in-nyc-stage-protest-at-milbank-hall-videos-101740618094410.html].