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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Campus remains locked to most members of the community after the April 30 arrests. Follow live updates here.

At 12 pm on Wednesday, May 1, Columbia faculty and graduate students gathered on 116th and Amsterdam to rally against NYPD presence on campus.

On Wednesday morning, New York City Mayor Eric Adams held a press conference to address the protests at Columbia and CCNY. This comes about 12 hours after Columbia University authorized the use of NYPD officers to remove protesters from Hamilton Hall.

In an email to students on Wednesday, Columbia Provost Angela V Olinto announced the University has advised faculty to shift all remaining final exams to a remote format, among several other suggested accommodations.

President Shafik emailed the Columbia community highlighting the decision to authorize NYPD onto campus and acknowledging the “important cause” of the protestors.

On Tuesday afternoon, Columbia University Apartheid Divest held a press conference at Morningside Park to share updates about the Hamilton Hall occupation and other campus updates.