Dozens of pro-Palestinian demonstrators stormed Milbank Hall at Barnard College on Wednesday, protesting the expulsion of two students involved in a class interruption regarding Israel. As the protesters entered the building, they reportedly assaulted a Barnard employee, leading to the individual being hospitalized. The college administration condemned the actions as "completely unacceptable," emphasizing that “respect, inclusivity, and safety are non-negotiable” principles at Barnard, according to The New York Times. The masked protesters, armed with drums and chanting slogans, demanded not only the reversal of the student expulsions but also amnesty for all students disciplined for similar activism. Barnard President Laura Rosenbury stated that the sit-in concluded late Wednesday night after the administration threatened to call in authorities if the group did not disperse by 9:30 p.m. The situation escalated as more demonstrators began encouraging others to enter the campus without identification, as reported by Los Angeles Times. Barnard College officials had previously offered the protesters a meeting, contingent upon the removal of their masks, but the protesters declined. This incident mirrors last year’s events at Columbia University, where pro-Palestinian activists similarly occupied a building in a significant protest against Israeli policies amidst ongoing conflict in the region. The broader backdrop to these demonstrations is the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, exacerbated by recent tensions surrounding antisemitism on campuses, as outlined by The Hill. With the administration vowing to uphold safety and community standards, Barnard’s handling of the incident and the underlying issues of free expression and public safety are likely to remain points of contention moving forward.