Two janitors at Columbia University, Mariano Torres and Lester Wilson, have reached a settlement with the university following allegations of abuse and being held against their will during the April 2024 takeover of Hamilton Hall by pro-Palestinian protesters. The agreement, for an undisclosed sum, addresses the harrowing experiences reported by the custodial staff during the campus unrest. The settlement comes amidst broader scrutiny of the university's handling of campus demonstrations.
According to lawsuits filed by Torres and Wilson, they were trapped inside Hamilton Hall and subjected to physical assault and verbal harassment by protesters who stormed the building. The janitors claimed they were called derogatory terms such as "Jew-lovers" and "Zionist" by the occupiers. Both men have reported suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the ordeal.
Columbia University confirmed the settlement, signaling a commitment to improving workplace safety and addressing harassment concerns on campus. This resolution follows a period where the university faced multiple legal challenges and a $221 million settlement with the Trump administration over alleged civil rights violations related to campus protests. The university has also committed to revising its policies to address antisemitism.
Despite the settlement with Columbia, Torres and Wilson are reportedly continuing their lawsuit against over 40 individual protesters involved in the Hamilton Hall incident. Councilwoman Vickie Paladino, in a recent tweet, criticized the campus actions, stating that they were "led by the DSA and Zohran Mamdani’s socialist political allies." She further asserted that "spoiled brats attending a six-figure private school abused the working class janitors who were just trying to earn a living."
Zohran Mamdani, a New York State Assembly member and a prominent figure within the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), has been a vocal supporter of pro-Palestinian demonstrations and has criticized the university's and city's responses to the protests. Mamdani, currently a mayoral candidate for New York City, has advocated against police intervention on campuses and for student protest rights. His political platform and association with the DSA have drawn both support and criticism regarding their stance on the campus unrest.
The incident and subsequent settlement highlight the complex challenges universities face in balancing free speech with ensuring the safety and well-being of all members of their community, particularly staff. The ongoing legal actions against individual protesters underscore a growing trend of seeking accountability beyond institutional settlements. This case sets a precedent for protecting employees from harassment in politically charged environments and continues to fuel public debate on the nature and impact of campus activism.