Ramona Sarsgaard, daughter of actors Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard and niece of Jake Gyllenhaal, was arrested this week during a pro-Palestinian protest at Columbia University in New York. The 18-year-old received a citation for trespassing after participating in the occupation of Butler Library amid escalating tensions on campus.
According to the New York Post, Sarsgaard, a student at the university, was one of nearly 80 people arrested during the protest, which coincided with final exam season. Protesters stormed the library, hung signs with messages like "Columbia Will Burn," and tagged furniture with duct tape. Two campus security officers were injured during the incident.
@cnn Protesters caused a “disruption” at Columbia University’s Butler Library on Wednesday, resulting in protestors being shoved and blocked from the doors. No individuals who were protesting have “chosen to identify themselves,” yet, according to a press release from the university. cnn news columbia columbiauniversity nyc newyorkcity
♬ original sound - CNN
Sarsgaard's arrest comes amid growing pressure from the Trump administration on universities that allow pro-Palestinian protests. Columbia University has been a major focus of this campaign, facing the threat of losing up to $400 million in federal funding if it doesn't crack down on demonstrations deemed anti-Semitic by the government.
The Trump administration has intensified its crackdown on universities, demanding expulsions, suspensions, and visa reviews for foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian protests. It has also threatened to cut funding to institutions that do not comply with its demands, raising concerns among free speech advocates and academics.
In response to federal pressure, Columbia has adopted a stricter stance, authorizing police intervention on campus and disciplining students involved in the protests. Interim President Claire Shipman praised the actions of law enforcement and reiterated the university's commitment to safety and law enforcement.
So far, neither Maggie Gyllenhaal nor Peter Sarsgaard has issued public statements regarding their daughter's arrest. Ramona Sarsgaard's case highlights the growing tension between the Trump administration and academic institutions and raises questions about the balance between security, freedom of expression, and academic autonomy in the United States.
