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On April 23rd of 1968, Columbia University students occupied its buildings in non-violent protest against campus research towards the Vietnam War as well as the construction of a gym in . Due to failed negotiations, the administration sent in the police force, injuring many and arresting over 700 students. As a result, a campus-wide strike broke out, shuttting down Columbia University. Americans were roused far by the first quarter of 1968; during this period, Alexander Dubcuk had been elected in Czechoslovakia, America was rendered vulnerable in reputatation due to the Tet Offensive, three black students were killed during an anti-segregation protest in a bowling alley, and - mostly controversial - Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. At Columbia University, students disrupted a Martin Luther King Jr. memorial service, protesting Columbia's plans to build a gymnamium on Morningside park - a public park - that would allow limited access to blacks. An official of the SSS was hit with a lemon meringue pie as a protest to the draft and Columbia's involvement with defenses (their research extended to weapons which served to help in the Vietnam War). Hundreds of students came to the sundial on Columbia's campus to protest the gym, led by the SAS and SDS. However, some took more direct measures; some went to Morningside park to stop construction, tearing down fences to fight the police. Their demonstrations lasted for six days with no demands accepted. Finally in early April 30th, the University president, Grayson Kirk summoned the NYC police force. They broke through the occupied buildings and arrested more than 700 students, beating many who opposed them. However, thousands of students and faculty became radicalized by the police attacks and went on strike, effectively shutting down the campus. Despite the harsh opposition, the students succeeded in preventing the gym construction and the draft. Students around the nation were roused; the protest spread even across the seas, inciting action of students from Paris to Tokyo and demanding more than the original two demands. History. Columbia University 1968. http://www.columbia1968.com/history/. Accessed 3/20/12. Photos: Photo Galleries. Columbia University 1968. http://www.columbia1968.com/history/photos/. Accessed 3/20/12. |
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