Columbia Palestine Solidarity Coalition (CPSC) was established in October 2024 as a breakaway faction from the Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD) group. Positioning themselves as a more “authentic” pro-Palestinian voice, CPSC aims to “recenter” the movement at Columbia University while rejecting what they see as CUAD’s focus on individual leadership and unrelated revolutionary ideals. Despite their claims of independence, CPSC’s connections to CUAD raise concerns about their intentions and potential impact.
Activities:
Protest Participation: Members of CPSC have a history of involvement in CUAD’s disruptive protests, frequently engaging in aggressive actions that create a hostile campus environment.
Incendiary Statements: The group’s rhetoric includes accusations of genocide against Israel and a commitment to radical activism, indicating a preference for confrontation over dialogue.
Notable Actions
October 2024: CPSC announced their formation in an op-ed in the Columbia Spectator, openly criticizing CUAD and framing their movement as a reclaiming of Palestinian student activism. They described Israeli policies as genocidal and called for direct action.
Historical Involvement: Many CPSC members were previously active in CUAD-led protests, which have a history of escalating into aggressive confrontations with pro-Israel speakers and other student groups.
CPSC’S alignment with CUAD suggest a continuation of disruptive and confrontational tactics on campus. Their language often incites division and hostility, undermining a sense of safety and security for students, particularly those aligned with U.S. and allied interests.
