Claiming this demonstration is aimed to expose the inequities of the "U.S. war machine," the New York Post recently reported that Columbia University students are organizing an anti-Veterans Day rally to celebrate "martyrs" impacted by U.S. military acts. The paper places the rally as critical of U.S. military engagement overseas and indicates the protest is set for Veterans Day, November 11, 2024. The argument connects to a bigger tale as Columbia University has a remarkable history of student action, especially on pro-Palestinian causes. For example, pro-Palestinian student organizations put up the "Gaza Solidarity Encampment" on university grounds earlier in 2024 in protest of Columbia's Israel-investments. With many students being detained, this incident drew interest because of tensions between protestors and law police.
Although The New York Post notes this demonstration as coordinated by Columbia students, independent proof is scarce and Columbia University itself does not confirm anything. Given the university's prior student-led demonstrations, it's likely that students would be behind anything like this. Still, the lack of supporting evidence leaves particular untested. Although the headline is interesting, it does not include outside validation, so it is advisable to wait for official comments or reports for a whole knowledge. In essence, even if students of Columbia University have lately participated in activism around related issues, the specifics of this particular Veterans Day celebration still need further validation.
