Columbia University has notified protesters that students will be suspended pending further investigation if they do not vacate the camp by 2 p.m. local time, CNN reported.
"As you may be aware, the dialogue between the university and the student leaders of the camp has unfortunately reached an impasse," the university said in the statement.
The document asks students at the camp to "pack up their belongings and leave the camp."
If students "voluntarily leave by 2 p.m.," present themselves to a university official and sign a form pledging to abide by university rules until June 2025, or "the date your diploma is handed to you," "you will be eligible to finish the semester in good standing (and will not be suspended) as long as you honor this commitment," the document says.
"It is important for you to know that the university has already identified many students in the camp. If you do not identify yourself when you check out and sign the form now, you will not be allowed to sign out and finish the semester in good standing," the document adds.
"If you do not check out by 2 p.m., you will be suspended pending further investigation," the document states.
Columbia University said it would offer "an alternative location for demonstrations after the exam period ends and the school year begins," saying the current "unauthorized encampment" "creates an unwelcoming environment for members of our community."
"Outside actors have also contributed to this environment, especially around our gates, which raises safety concerns - including for our neighbors," the document said. / BGNES
