Columbia University has wrapped up its probe into an incident in which Jewish students were attacked with water during an anti-Israel protest, and investigators have not identified any of the individuals responsible.

The sudden conclusion of the investigation -- and the curious result -- comes amid escalating tensions and calls for stricter campus policies in response to anti-Semitism, as the Washington Free Beacon reports.

Investigation Concludes

The incident occurred during a series of anti-Israel demonstrations on campus, which spanned several weeks. On April 20, during one of these demonstrations, violent clashes broke out, some involving explicit calls for terrorism. Jewish students faced aggression, including water being thrown at them.

Columbia's public safety department undertook an investigation but ultimately failed to pinpoint any specific individuals who participated in the attacks.

The student who reported the incident received a notification last Thursday, informing them about the closure of the case. The complexity of identifying the perpetrators was compounded by most protesters wearing keffiyehs or masks.

Jeremy Liss, Columbia’s interim hearing officer, stated, "Columbia Public Safety conducted a thorough investigation into other reported incidents at the Sundial on the evening of April 20, 2024, specifically the individuals that made remarks, and that allegedly threw water at students, and we were unable to identify specific individual respondents. As a result, we will be closing this case.”

Student Criticism and Calls for Stricter Policies

The student who reported the incident expressed disappointment in the outcome of the investigation and suggested banning face coverings on campus to deter similar occurrences in the future.

"It’s evident that our campus will remain unsafe as long as students can conceal their identities," the student remarked. They further pointed out, "There is precedent for this.”

During the April 20 demonstration, a protester clad in a keffiyeh and carrying a threatening sign aimed at Jewish students was found to be unaffiliated with the university.

Jewish students carrying an Israeli flag were assaulted, their flag stolen and nearly burned. A video from that night also captured an anti-Israel speaker calling for escalation and exalting the Oct. 7 terror attack.

Escalating Protests and Administrative Response

Following these incidents, Columbia University President Minouche Shafik faced calls for resignation from various segments of the university community. The tension on campus showed no signs of abating as, during alumni reunions last weekend, students set up another unauthorized encampment, promising a “summer of disruption.”

This encampment, which lasted approximately 48 hours, was intended to paralyze university activities in protest against alleged genocide and complicity. The participating students aimed to continue their disruptive actions throughout the summer.

The university administration has not commented on these events. However, disciplinary processes are ongoing for students identified as part of the latest encampment. The demonstrators, especially those from the Students for Justice in Palestine chapter, have pledged ongoing activism. "As we continue our summer of disruption, we ask that every student, and our wider community, does the same. Use this time to agitate, educate, and escalate,” the chapter stated.

Continued Debate Over Campus Safety And Policies

The controversy highlights a broader debate over campus safety and the policies needed to prevent such incidents. The students calling for stricter regulations argue that measures like banning face coverings could make it easier to hold individuals accountable. They stress the need for immediate administrative action to ensure campus safety.

Columbia University faces mounting pressure to address the root causes of these demonstrations and the violence that has stemmed from them. With disciplinary proceedings in motion and continued activism planned, the university community is bracing for a tumultuous summer.

The student reporting the incident believes that the administration’s current approach is insufficient. "I have met with each of you individually, and the common response has been, 'the situation on campus is a problem, but we don’t know what to do,'" they said. The student's suggestion to ban face coverings is seen as a straightforward solution to enhance campus security.

The ongoing demonstrations and the university's response will likely continue to be a focal point of debate, affecting not only the immediate university community but also the broader discussions around campus protest and safety policies.

Conclusion: Campus Tensions Persist as Solutions Debated

Columbia University's decision to close the investigation without identifying any suspects has not resulted in the closure desired by many affected students. The larger issue of campus safety remains unaddressed as students and administrators continue to seek solutions in an environment marked by ongoing protests and heated debate.

The events of April 20, the subsequent encampment, and the disciplinary actions following it underscore the complexities of ensuring safety and freedom of expression on university campuses. As the university moves forward, the balance between these objectives will be critical in fostering a secure and inclusive environment.