Columbia University has taken sweeping disciplinary action following the latest wave of campus protests, suspending over 65 students and banning more than 30 others after a pro-Palestinian demonstration at Butler Library escalated into property damage and unauthorized occupation.
The university’s response follows mounting pressure from the Trump administration, which previously froze $400 million in federal funding over concerns about antisemitic incidents on campus. Officials have also warned that international students participating in such protests could face visa revocation.
Acting President Claire Shipman condemned the demonstration, citing safety and policy violations, and confirmed that Columbia is in active negotiations with federal authorities regarding a potential consent decree. This agreement could place the university under judicial oversight to ensure compliance with federal mandates.
The crackdown has divided opinion across the academic community. Some faculty have voiced support for restoring order, while others raised concerns about the impact on free expression and the autonomy of the institution. Critics argue that administrative decisions are increasingly shaped by federal influence rather than academic principles.
In the wake of these events, the mood on campus has shifted dramatically. Student activism has quieted, and discussions surrounding the conflict in Gaza have become more cautious, reflecting growing anxiety about the consequences of speaking out.
As Columbia balances federal expectations with internal dissent, the long-term implications for protest culture and academic freedom at elite institutions remain uncertain.