In just one year, Columbia University has experienced a dramatic shift in its role within the larger landscape of higher education. From leading the charge in the student-led Gaza solidarity encampment movement to becoming the target of the Trump administration’s relentless attack on academic freedom and diversity, Columbia has found itself at the forefront of some of the most pressing issues facing our society today. But through it all, the university has remained steadfast in its commitment to providing a space for critical thinking, open dialogue, and social change.
The student-led Gaza solidarity encampment, also known as Columbia Apartheid Divest (CAD), first gained national attention in the spring of 2016 when a group of students occupied the main administrative building on campus to demand that the university divest from companies that profit from the Israeli occupation of Palestine. Despite facing pushback from the administration and some members of the student body, the encampment continued to grow and gain support from students, faculty, and community members.
For months, the encampment served as a symbol of resistance and a call to action for universities across the country to take a stand against human rights abuses. And Columbia, with its rich history of activism and social justice, seemed like the perfect place for this movement to thrive. But just as the encampment was gaining momentum, a new threat emerged.
With the election of Donald Trump as president, higher education suddenly found itself under attack. And Columbia, being a leading institution in the liberal arts, became a prime target. The Trump administration’s policies and rhetoric have been aimed at silencing dissent, promoting intolerance, and dismantling the very foundations of higher education. And unfortunately, Columbia has not been immune to these attacks.
The most visible example of this is the university’s ongoing battle with graduate student workers over unionization. Despite overwhelming support from both students and faculty, the administration has continuously resisted efforts to recognize the graduate student union, even going so far as to file a legal challenge against the vote to unionize. This blatant disregard for the rights and voices of students has sent shockwaves across the country and has put Columbia at the center of the fight for labor rights in academia.
But perhaps the most alarming aspect of this authoritarian assault on higher education is the threat to diversity and inclusion. The Trump administration’s immigration policies have targeted students and scholars from Muslim-majority countries, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty for international students at Columbia. In response, the university has taken a strong stance in support of its international community, offering legal resources and advocating for the continuation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
Despite these challenges, Columbia University has remained a beacon of hope and resilience. The strength and determination of its students, faculty, and staff have not wavered in the face of adversity. In fact, the university has used these challenges as an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to social justice and academic freedom.
Through events such as the “Teach-In on Trumpism” and the “Race, Ethnicity, and University Life” lecture series, Columbia has provided a platform for critical discussions on these pressing issues. The university has also taken steps to support marginalized communities, such as establishing a new Office of University Life and launching a campus-wide diversity initiative.
In the span of just one year, Columbia University has experienced a rollercoaster of events that have tested its values and beliefs. But through it all, the university has remained true to its mission of fostering intellectual curiosity, promoting social justice, and creating a diverse and inclusive community. And it is this unwavering dedication to these principles that will continue to make Columbia a leading institution in higher education and a catalyst for positive change in the world.
