Breaking News: Uncertainty Grips Columbia University Amid Protests and Administrative Shifts

Key Takeaways:

• Pulitzer Hall at Columbia University was abruptly closed on April 28, a year after student solidarity protests.
• The closure is part of broader security measures, affecting campus life and free expression.
• Recent upheavals include a $400 million funding cut, a student’s arrest, and centralization of university control.
• Faculty and students express concerns over governance and shared decision-making.

Unexpected Closure at Pulitzer Hall

The familiar late-night routine at Pulitzer Hall, home to Columbia’s Journalism School, was disrupted on April 28. A security officer instructed students to leave, citing a new policy from Public Safety. This unexpected closure, near the anniversary of the Hamilton Hall occupation, marked a shift in campus access.

Broader Changes at Columbia

The closure is one of many changes following significant events:

• Student Arrest and Funding Cut: In March, Mahmoud Khalil’s arrest by DHS and a $400 million funding cut by the Trump administration sparked administrative changes.
• Governance Shifts: Acting President Claire Shipman announced a review of the university senate, part of broader efforts to centralize control, raising concerns among faculty and students.

The Sundial Report and Governance Concerns

The Sundial Report, a 335-page document, criticizes the university’s actions from 2023 to 2024, highlighting impacts on academic freedom and shared governance. Faculty members like Professor Joseph Howley question the transparency of these changes, suggesting they may silence dissent.

Increased Security Measures

Columbia has tightened campus security, erecting metal fences before protests and barricading gates after student demonstrations. These measures, following protests over trustee involvement in Khalil’s disappearance, reflect a broader effort to control campus spaces.

Conclusion: A Campus in Crisis

Columbia University faces ongoing challenges, with students and faculty concerned about governance and free expression. The closure of Pulitzer Hall and increased security measures symbolize a shift towards centralized control, leaving the community questioning the future of their institution.

This story captures the tension and uncertainty at Columbia, highlighting the implications of recent events on campus life and governance.