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 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.

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.

In an Instagram post on Monday, nonprofit Palestine Legal announced the federal Office for Civil Rights would investigate Columbia for allegations of discrimination against Palestinian students. 

On the evening of April 30, the SGA Executive Board emailed an open letter addressed to President Laura Rosenbury and other members of the Columbia and Barnard Administration. They criticized the actions of the administration going back months for alienating students and ignoring their voices, and issued lists of demands and recommendations.

President Rosenbury emailed the Barnard community this morning, marking the first direct correspondence from her to students since the April 30 arrests of over 100 students.

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

After a vote comprising Barnard’s chapter of the American Association of University Professors voted unanimously for no confidence in the leadership of Barnard President Laura Rosenbury, a similar faculty-wide vote had 77% of voters expressing no confidence. 

Student protesters occupied Hamilton Hall around 12:30 am on Tuesday, April 30. This comes after negotiations between the University and student organizers ceased. Read live updates here. Content warning: violence

Live updates of events surrounding the Gaza Solidarity Encampment continue as new developments occur.