Columbia University President Nemat Minoush Shafiq on Thursday authorized the New York Police Department to clear an encampment of pro-Palestinian protesters, resulting in the arrest of 108 protesters. The university also suspended the daughter of controversial US congressman Ilhan Omar over protests.

Protesters who set up tents Wednesday morning were accused of violating the school’s rules and policies against unauthorized demonstrations and trespassing.

Shafiq said protesters’ refusal to engage with managers prompted the decision to clear the camp.

According to Reuters, Shafiq said in a statement: “Out of extreme concern for the safety of Columbia University’s campus, I authorized the New York Police Department to begin clearing the encampment…”

The university also began suspending students who participated in the protests, including Isra Hirsi, the daughter of U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, who expressed disapproval of the protesters during a hearing on anti-Semitism on campus support.

“Those of us in Gaza’s solidarity camps will not be intimidated,” Hirsi said on social media after being suspended, Reuters reported.

Hirsey and other suspended students were notified by Barnard College, affiliated with Columbia University.

In response, Hirsi said on social media that those involved in the Gaza solidarity camp will not be intimidated.

The conflict at Columbia University was reminiscent of anti-Vietnam War demonstrations at the school more than 50 years ago.

Protesters demand a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, an end to U.S. military aid to Israel, and the divestment of universities from companies that profited from the Israeli invasion.

The camp was organized by a coalition of student-led groups, including Columbia University Apartheid Undo, Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace.

Meanwhile, at the University of Southern California, about 500 demonstrators marched in support of Muslim student Asna Tabassum, whose valedictorian speech was canceled on safety grounds.

Tabassum and her supporters claim the university sought to silence her because of her opposition to Israeli attacks on Gaza.

Protesters marched carrying signs reading “Let her speak” and chanting “Shame!” To the USC Administration.

Demonstrator Katya Urban, 23, who is part of USC’s Jewish Voices for Peace contingent, said USC Jewish Voices, USC’s anti-Zionist It’s important that the Jewish voice is very loud and very present.

“For Jewish voices at USC, for anti-Zionist Jewish voices at USC,” said 23-year-old demonstrator Katya Urban, a member of USC’s Jewish Voices for Peace contingent. “It feels very important, especially now,” Reuters reported.

Israeli attacks in Gaza have killed more than 33,000 people, according to Gaza’s health ministry, after a cross-border attack by Hamas militants on October 7 killed 1,200 people.