Columbia University is suspending and expelling several students for their participation in pro-Palestinian protests, including taking over a portion of the school’s main library in early May and setting up camp on campus in the spring of 2024. According to a statement released by the university on Tuesday, some students have been placed on probation, suspended for up to three years, and others face the revocation of their degrees and expulsion.
Columbia initiated an investigation into rules violations after the protests, banned participants from campus, and imposed interim suspensions. The students were assessed individually and given the opportunity to present their case, followed by a multi-week deliberation process. The university stated that academic disruptions and violations of its policies would have consequences, and emphasized the need for respect and adherence to the institution’s rules to foster a thriving academic community.
Columbia was at the center of nationwide protests against the war in Gaza. The Trump administration has accused the university of neglecting alleged anti-semitism and withdrew $400 million in federal funding. Columbia has agreed to implement policy reforms, including changes to the student disciplinary process and the adoption of a new definition of anti-semitism, in an effort to regain federal funding.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/columbia-university-disciplines-students-over-protests/a-73377658?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
