Columbia Students Set to Return After Protests

Most students at Columbia University who faced disciplinary measures due to pro-Palestinian protests will soon return to campus, with only two remaining suspended from the initial group of 40. The protests, which included demands for the university to divest from Israeli assets, led to significant unrest and the resignation of President Minouche Shafik. A Republican-led congressional panel criticized Columbia's handling of the situation, deeming their actions insufficient to address allegations of antisemitism on campus. The panel's investigation revealed that from over 80 students arrested during protests, only five face interim suspension currently. Rights groups condemned the administration's decision to call police for clearing protest encampments, which resulted in injuries among demonstrators. Ongoing disciplinary cases remain, but no students were charged with hate speech during the protests.