Multitudes of Columbia students were apprehended during protests the preceding academic year, many of them planning to resume their studies this autumn.
Numerous students who were apprehended in the spring and placed on temporary suspension are set to resume classes and attend disciplinary hearings upon their return to campus, according to a recent report by a Congressional committee investigating the school's handling of antisemitism cases.
Among these students are those who were taken into custody during late April protests, when law enforcement was initially called in to disperse university encampments, as well as those who barricaded themselves inside Hamilton Hall, a campus building that was also occupied during the 1968 student uprisings.
The report reveals that out of the 40 students initially apprehended by the NYC Police Department on April 18, only two are still on suspension. The remaining 38 students are now in good standing and awaiting hearings, with 17 of them on disciplinary probation. All charges against them were later dropped.
Two dozen students were arrested for occupying Hamilton Hall on April 30. Among these, four students remain in disciplinary trouble, with three on interim suspension and one on probation following an earlier hearing.
The report was issued after a request for student-related information by the House Education and Workforce Committee, which is part of a wider Republican initiative aimed at curbing antisemitism within college campuses and Ivy League institutions.
Rep. Virginia Foxx, the chairperson of the Education committee and a Republican, condemned Columbia University's actions in a press release, stating, "Columbia's spineless administration has chosen to wave the white flag of surrender, offering a get-out-of-jail-free card to those involved in the protests. The university's unwillingness to take responsibility for violations of university rules and the law is disgraceful and unacceptable."
Foxx further criticized the university's leniency towards students who engaged in illegal activities such as breaking into campus buildings and creating antisemitic hostile environments.
Columbia University, in response, stated that the disciplinary process for several students is still ongoing, including some who were arrested during the disturbances. The school is also working to expedite this process due to the high volume of violations.
The university officials affirmed their commitment to eradicating antisemitism and all forms of discrimination, pledging to undertake persistent and concrete measures in order to foster a campus environment where every member of the community feels valued and thrives.
During the past academic year, Columbia was at the center of pro-Palestinian student demonstrations. However, such protests spread to numerous universities nationwide. While the majority remained peaceful, some escalated into violence and disrupted academic activities. Some Jewish and Muslim students reported being intimidated, harassed, or physically harmed.
Varsities like Yale and Brown cleared encampments on their campuses, while others erupted into chaos. Class cancellations occurred at UNC Chapel Hill, where dozens were detained. At Florida State University, at least five protesters were arrested, while over 1,000 were taken into custody by law enforcement on various campuses.
Columbia is reportedly preparing a plan for incoming semester prospects, focusing on potential protests, particularly during the anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks on Israel. Security measures have been enhanced with stricter campus access, limiting access to only those with valid Columbia University IDs. Additionally, some entry points have been temporarily closed.
The business of resuming classes and attending disciplinary hearings for the suspended students is a crucial aspect of their academic journey. Despite the leniency shown towards students who engaged in illegal activities, Columbia University remains committed to eradicating antisemitism and all forms of discrimination on campus.
