Protests at Columbia University continue as negotiations persist between student demonstrators encamped on the campus and university administrators. The encampment, a central point of the protests, remains in place despite talks extending past the initial midnight deadline for removal.

In an email to the school community, Columbia President Dr. Minouche Shafik provided an update on the ongoing negotiations. Key details include:

As a result of this progress, the university plans to continue discussions for the next 48 hours. Safety concerns and disruptions to campus life prompted a reevaluation of the university's approach, with tensions simmering among students and officials.

Some students express concern about upcoming commencement on the lawn, scheduled for May 15. "Although I support the cause, as I missed my high school graduation during COVID, it would be a shame to miss this too due to the Palestinian encampments. I think it's time for the CU president and COO to take drastic action," said Lee, a graduating senior.

Preparations for commencement are underway on campus, with the east side of the lawn already set up while the west side remains affected by the encampments.