Columbia University students, faculty, staff, and alumni held a “speak out” event to express discontent with the administration’s responses to demands from the Trump administration, which had threatened to withdraw $400 million in federal funding. The 25-hour protest aimed to shed light on concerns that the university’s leadership was capitulating to political pressure, jeopardizing academic freedom. The Trump administration has put a hold on billions of dollars in research grants, citing universities’ failures in addressing antisemitism and their handling of protests related to Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Professors and students criticized the administration’s adjustments, which included altering the admissions process and increasing “institutional neutrality.” Brooke West, a social work professor, emphasized the threat to educational integrity when free speech and academic freedom are compromised.
The administration’s stance has been to prioritize student safety, with a White House spokesperson asserting that some universities are neglecting their duty to protect Jewish students. The Trump administration indicated it would consider reinstating federal funding if Columbia met specific demands, such as banning masks on campus and enforcing disciplinary actions against student protesters.
In response, attendees of the rally called for the university to resist federal pressure, protect students and international scholars, and restore diversity policies. Signs at the event promoted the message to “Columbia Fight Back,” defend freedom of speech, and safeguard student rights. Tensions surrounding the protests have escalated, with at least three students apprehended, highlighting an increasingly contentious environment at the university.
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