DeKalb GA News

The situation at Columbia University remains tense as faculty members and students continue to clash over the institution's compliance with demands from the Trump administration. The university recently agreed to implement policy changes, including revising protest rules and reviewing its Middle Eastern studies department.

A group of faculty members is reportedly encouraging student protests, despite potential risks to federal funding. According to FOX News, these professors held an "emergency vigil" urging students to wear masks and skip classes in protest against the reforms.

On Monday, protesters gathered outside Columbia University's gates on 116th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, chanting slogans such as "Long live the intifada" and holding signs with messages like "defend democracy" and "Columbia, fight back." The protests coincided with calls for a "MASK MONDAY," advocating mask-wearing as a form of defiance against perceived restrictions imposed by the university.

The Columbia Palestine Solidarity Coalition tweeted about the event, stating: "Tomorrow, March 24th is MASK MONDAY! Wear a mask on Monday to protest mask bans and the fascist @Columbia trustees. Protect yourself and your community!"

Criticism also came from groups like the Columbia Jewish Alumni Association, which expressed concerns about faculty actions: "We've now arrived at a point where certain @Columbia faculty are: 1. Urging students to skip class 2. Promoting masks in defiance of the school's own resolution agreement 3. Publicly attacking the school's attempts to restore funding."

The association described these actions as sabotage rather than legitimate protest.

Calls for disciplinary action against faculty members involved have surfaced, with some suggesting they should be fired or placed on leave if tenured. The unfolding events highlight ongoing tensions at Columbia University amidst broader national debates over academic freedom and institutional compliance with government directives.