Several controversial events occurring during Columbia President Minouche Shafik’s tenure as Director at the London School of Economics and Political Science have resurfaced amidst the student demonstrations taking place at Columbia. Editor’s warning: Descriptions of sexual misconduct and white supremacy

On May 8, a group of over 600 Jewish students published an open letter, affirming their support for Zionism and Israel and denouncing antisemitism.

Over 1,700 alumni have pledged to withhold support for Columbia unless demands including divestment, amnesty for students, support for the Harlem community, and President Shafik’s removal are met.

On Thursday, May 9, Union Theological Seminary pledged to divest from businesses that profit from Israel’s military actions, according to an announcement from their Board of Trustees.

During a virtual plenary on Wednesday, May 8 at 3:30 pm, the University Senate discussed the decision to cancel commencement and unanimously passed a motion calling for the temporary suspension of disciplinary procedures against student protesters.

On May 8, the Columbia chapter of the American Association of University Professors plans to put forward a vote of no confidence resolution against President Shafik.

Protests continue outside campus while Barnard announces that the 2024 reunion will be canceled. Read live updates here.

On Tuesday, May 7, Columbia University Apartheid Divest held various pickets outside the homes and offices of Board of Trustees members.  Content warning: mentions of Islamophobia and violence

Protests continue as Commencement has been canceled and campus remains closed. Read live updates here.

Barnard Organization of Soul and Solidarity (BOSS), Columbia Black Students’ Organization (BSO), Columbia Caribbean Students’ Association (CSA), and Columbia African Students’ Association (ASA) recently released a joint statement following the administration’s decision to employ police force in the removal of the Gaza Solidarity Encampment and Hamilton Hall occupation.

The former president of three American universities will deliver the address at Barnard’s 132nd Commencement ceremony on May 15.

Columbia announced it has canceled its main Commencement and will holder smaller Class Day ceremonies at Baker Complex. Read live updates here.

In a message to students Monday, Columbia announced that its university-wide commencement would be canceled following weeks of protests and the shutdown of the University campus.

A group of Columbia and Barnard alumni have formed a new committee to boycott the University’s scheduled May 31 and June 1 reunions. The group will create an alternate event and send funds from ticket sales and donations to organizations providing aid in Palestine.

On Friday morning, the University Senate held a special plenary in light of the week’s events, where they discussed launching an investigative task force into administration, a potential vote of no confidence against Columbia President Minouche Shafik, and campus safety, among other items.