Protests continue outside campus while Barnard announces that the 2024 reunion will be canceled. Read live updates here.
Update made on Friday, May 10 at 5:15 pm:
Student-run Convocation Ceremony
On Wednesday, May 15, the Class of 2024 will hold a celebration on the Morningside campus “for students, by students.” From 9 am to 11 am, students will experience a Convocation ceremony with music, performances, and student speeches on Low Plaza, as well as class pictures on the South Lawn. Afterwards, a block party with food trucks will be held on 120th St. Only graduating Class of 2024 seniors are permitted to attend this event.
Update made on Thursday, May 9 at 3:58 pm:
Statement from pro-Israel Jewish students
Over 600 Jewish Columbia students wrote an open letter to the University community affirming their support for Israel and Zionism while denouncing antisemitism. Read more here.
Barnard senior access to Columbia’s campus restored
Starting Saturday, May 11 at 8 am, graduating Barnard seniors will now have full access to Columbia’s campus, as announced in an email from Barnard Dean Leslie Grinage. The email stated this change will allow graduates to utilize Columbia facilities, participate in graduation-related activities, and be with friends on Columbia’s campus. Barnard’s campus remains BCID access only.
Update made on Thursday, May 9 at 2:39 pm:
A group of Columbia alumni signed a letter threatening to withhold millions in donations and demanding Columbia’s divestment and President Shafik’s resignation. Read more here.
Update made on Thursday, May 9 at 10:13 pm:
As of 8 am on Friday, May 10, the Morningside campus will be accessible to all Columbia graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, staff, and campus researchers. Barnard and Teachers College students, as well as graduate students based at CUIMC and Manhattanville, will still be restricted from campus.
Update made on Thursday, May 9 at 6:44 pm:
On Thursday, May 9, Columbia posted on their Instagram the intention of holding a student-led celebration on the Morningside campus. The event will take place on Wednesday, May 15 from 10 am to 1 pm, and “eligible graduates” will receive further details via email.
This announcement comes three days after previous communications suggested there would be no University-wide celebration. Prior communications suggested the “possibility of a festive event” to take place on the ceremony. On Thursday, May 9, Columbia posted on their Instagram the intention of holding a student-led celebration on the Morningside campus. The event will take place on Wednesday, May 15 from 10 am to 1 pm, and “eligible graduates” will receive further details via email. Bwog has reached out to the University for more information.
Update made on Thursday, May 9 at 12:20 pm:
The University Senate held a plenary yesterday on Wednesday, May 8 at 3:30 pm to discuss recent disciplinary procedures for students and the University’s decision to cancel the general Commencement ceremony. Read more here.
Update made on Wednesday, May 8 at 11:00 pm:
A total of 434 faculty members voted to begin the vote of no confidence. While 295 voted for, 107 voted against and 32 abstained. Around 1,000 faculty members are eligible to participate in the vote of no confidence over the next week.
A member of Columbia AAUP stated, “Through the upcoming vote, my hope is that the faculty, which has largely been sidelined as the administration has made a series of progressively worse decisions, will convey to President Shafik that an urgent course correction is needed.”
Update made on Wednesday, May 8 at 9:58 pm:
On May 8, the AAUP passed the amended Resolution of No Confidence. Starting tomorrow, Thursday, May 9, the AAUP will begin voting on the morion of no confidence against President Shafik. Voting will be open for one week among the Arts and Sciences faculty.
Update made on Wednesday, May 8 at 9:50 am:
Barnard Reunion Canceled
Barnard’s 2024 Reunion will be canceled this year “due to the climate on and around our campus in recent weeks and feedback from alumnae leaders,” according to the Office of Development and Alumnae Relations. Milestone class committees will share updates regarding potential virtual events. Both the Alumnae of Color Reception and the Alumnae Association of Barnard College Awards presentation will take place in the fall.
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