Columbia University goes virtual amid pro-Palestinian protests [Video]

Columbia University in New York is holding classes virtually Monday in response to the ongoing pro-Palestinian protests that continue to engulf the Ivy League campus. University officials said the move was in an effort to “deescalate the rancor” over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and address security concerns on campus as the Jewish holiday of Passover begins.

“I understand that many are experiencing deep moral distress and want Columbia to help alleviate this by taking action,” University President Nemat “Minouche” Shafik said in a statement. “We should be having serious conversations about how Columbia can contribute. There will be many views across our diverse community about how best to do this and that is as it should be. But we cannot have one group dictate terms and attempt to disrupt important milestones like graduation to advance their point of view.”

SEE MORE: Columbia president rebuts claims she let school become hotbed of hate

Protests broke …