HARLEM — Columbia University has listed the protesting encampment on Streeteasy. Students sleeping inside their tents woke up to realtors unzipping the shelters to give prospective tenants tours.
In a statement, the university’s administration explained:
Dear fellow members of the Columbia community,
Last week, the West Lawn of the Morningside campus was turned into an encampment by hundred of student activists. Thanks to the actions of these students, donors, investors, and other mega-wealthy people have threatened to withhold financial contributions to our institution. Securing our investments is my utmost priority—the NYPD has reiterated they are unwilling to remain on speed dial for “broke bitches” (their words).However, the student actions have also demonstrated that these lawns are prime real estate, and you don’t become the biggest landowner with a $4 billion real estate portfolio in New York City by playing nice.
To this end, we have decided to list the tents on various real estate sites to generate additional revenue to support the institution’s operations. We are excited to give “on campus living” a whole new meaning.
The Pigeon Post 