The decision by Columbia University to stream classes from its main campus online during the last few weeks of the semester has drawn harsh criticism, with some urging parents to demand tuition reimbursements from the university’s management.

The pro-Palestinian protest across the campus must be dismantled by midnight, according to Columbia University President Minouche Shafik, who made the announcement on Tuesday night (local time). She claimed that the demonstrations have only increased tensions and made students feel unsafe.

She said in case an agreement is not reached, the administration “will have to consider alternative options” for clearing the encampment, without elaborating how the sites will be cleared.

Police at neighboring New York University reported that 133 demonstrators were arrested late on Monday and that they had all been released with a summons to appear in court on charges of disorderly conduct. At some of this week’s protests, according to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, police officers were struck with bottles and other objects.

The administration was also criticized by the critics for seeming “weak,” caving in to the demands of anti-Israel student protestors, and essentially allowing the college to close as a result of the widespread demonstrations.

After more than 100 pro-Palestinian protestors who had been camped out on Columbia’s upper Manhattan campus were arrested on Thursday, the already simmering protests took on a new intensity. Since then, numerous protestors have been detained at various campuses, and many of them are currently being prosecuted for trespassing or disorderly conduct.