A lawsuit settlement between a Jewish Columbia student and Columbia stipulated that the University will provide greater public safety measures and academic accommodations.

On June 4, the South District Court of New York settled a lawsuit between the plaintiff CS, a Jewish student at Columbia, and the defendant, Columbia University, over the plaintiff’s concerns with safety on campus. 

The two parties reached an agreement that included ten stipulations. Notably, the University will offer students the option to connect with Safe Passage Liaisons for “safety concerns as a result of protest activity” and request escorts across campus. 

The ruling stated that Public Safety officials would be given permission to arrange alternative routes to access campus for students, in situations Public Safety deems fit and in agreement with students and stakeholders. The Public Safety Escort Program will be available for 24 hours a day and 7 days a week for any student. The official agreement also stipulated that the service will be available through “at least” December 31, 2024.

Additionally, the settlement included a process for students to access their belongings from campus when access is restricted. The settlement also established an appeals process for students “who were unable to complete key assignments or exams due to campus access restrictions related to demonstration activity” to seek out relevant academic accommodations. 

The final agreed stipulation was a “continued commitment to the academic tradition of free thought and open debate.” 

Columbia University will be  given up to six months before both plaintiff and defendant will reconvene to assess their satisfaction with Columbia’s execution of the settlement’s conditions. Extension on these stipulations will also be decided after that period.

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