Nearly all of the individuals arrested inside Columbia University’s Hamilton Hall last month had their cases dropped on Thursday.

Dismissal of Cases

Out of the 46 people charged with trespassing in connection with the occupation of Hamilton Hall, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office dismissed cases against 31 individuals due to a lack of evidence. Prosecutors offered conditional dismissal to 14 others, stating their cases would be dropped if they avoid arrests for the next six months. However, these defendants rejected the offer and are scheduled to return to court on July 25.

Remaining Defendant

The remaining defendant, James Carlson, has two other open cases involving separate charges, including flag burning. Carlson has no affiliation with Columbia University.

Details of the Protest and Arrests

Protesters seized the building on April 30 during demonstrations against the war in Gaza, coinciding with rising tensions at Columbia over mass suspensions. The following day, police in riot helmets cleared the damaged and barricaded building, resulting in numerous arrests.

Profiles of Those Arrested

Those arrested included at least 14 Columbia undergraduates, nine graduate students, two employees, and six students from affiliated schools. At least 13 of the arrested individuals had no affiliation with Columbia University. The 31 people whose cases were dismissed were students or staff at Columbia, Barnard, or Union Theological Seminary. Among the defendants who would have had their cases conditionally dismissed, 12 were not affiliated with Columbia, while two were students.

Reactions and Solidarity

At a news conference following the hearing, some of the defendants, accompanied by supporters, stated they rejected the prosecutors’ conditional dismissal to show solidarity with those facing more severe repression across the pro-Palestinian movement. During the court appearances, a prosecutor noted that the defendants lacked criminal histories and would face internal disciplinary proceedings at Columbia. A university official confirmed that the disciplinary process is ongoing but declined to provide further details.

Challenges in Prosecution

The prosecutor highlighted the difficulty in proving the dismissed cases due to insufficient evidence, including the lack of surveillance footage from cameras that were covered up during the occupation. Additionally, some defendants wore masks, complicating efforts to identify their specific actions. An attorney for the defendants requested the court to immediately dismiss all charges, arguing that there were no allegations of harm to people or damage to property.

Courtroom Atmosphere

In the downtown courtroom, some defendants wore face masks, kaffiyehs (Palestinian scarves), and sunglasses. Police confiscated what appeared to be a protest sign found under one of the seats. During the proceedings, some defendants snickered when the prosecutor mentioned Carlson’s accusation of burning an Israeli flag, prompting a police officer to instruct them to remain quiet.

Historical Context

Hamilton Hall holds historical significance as it was famously occupied by protesters during the Vietnam War in 1968. This recent occupation adds another chapter to the building’s legacy of serving as a site for significant demonstrations.

Conclusion

The dismissal of most cases related to the Hamilton Hall occupation highlights the complexities of prosecuting such incidents, particularly when evidence is insufficient. The ongoing disciplinary actions at Columbia University and the broader context of the pro-Palestinian movement underscore the continued relevance and impact of student activism on university campuses. This incident serves as a reminder of the enduring power of protest and the challenges inherent in balancing civil disobedience with legal accountability.