Columbia University is under fire yet again after a memo went out late on Monday informing all students and staff that remote or hybrid learning would be the standard until the semester ends.
The announcement came as anti-Israel and anti-Semitic protests have created an environment — on Columbia’s campus and at other colleges such as Yale — where Jewish students do not feel safe. After protesters chanted slogans calling for the genocide of Jews and the destruction of Israel — and one protester was seen holding a sign calling on Al Qasam (the militant wing of the terrorist group Hamas) to target fellow students who carried Israeli and American flags — classes initially were switched to remote for the day on Monday.
But by Monday afternoon, as tensions had not cooled, the Office of the Provost put out new guidance for the remainder of the term:
It’s vital that teaching and learning continue during this time. We recognize conditions vary across our campuses and thus are issuing the following guidelines:
Morningside main campus: All courses hybrid – classroom technology permitting – until the end of each school’s Spring 2024 semester with the following carveouts and further details below.
Arts/Practice-based programs: in-person with generous accommodations supported by school deans and staff.
Medical Center and Manhattanville: in-person operation as usual, but granting accommodations based on religious reasons, or approved disability accommodations.
“If the class does not permit adapting to the remote offering format, we encourage faculty to provide other accommodations liberally to students who have requested support for virtual learning this week,” the memo continued, also encouraging support staff to work from home if at all possible.
Critics slammed Columbia for moving to remote/hybrid learning, saying that the school had chosen to cave to the protesters rather than dealing with them.
Imagine having to pay $70k a year for online classes because your school caved to these people.pic.twitter.com/jvA5gxwjxc
— Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) April 23, 2024
“Let’s get this straight-Jewish prof at Columbia is denied access to campus so violent and vile Jew-hating anarchists are allowed to roam around spewing genocidal chants. If a parent has a child at Columbia, they should demand a refund and then sue for breach of contract,” former Governor Mike Huckabee (R-AR) posted.
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Let’s get this straight-Jewish prof at Columbia is denied access to campus so violent and vile Jew-hating anarchists are allowed to roam around spewing genocidal chants. If a parent has a child at Columbia, they should demand a refund and then sue for breach of contract. https://t.co/TG2grkyptU
— Gov. Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) April 22, 2024
“Remote learning because Columbia is refusing to keep their campus safe for people of all ethnicities and religions. Is this a breach of contract? Has anyone requested a refund?” Marina Medvin asked.
Remote learning because Columbia is refusing to keep their campus safe for people of all ethnicities and religions. Is this a breach of contract? Has anyone requested a refund? pic.twitter.com/busiIx9Dmg
— Marina Medvin 🇺🇸 (@MarinaMedvin) April 22, 2024
“A degree from @Columbia today is not worth more than a roll of toilet paper. Parents: definitely demand a refund & compensation!” New York City Council Minority Whip (R) Inna Vernikov added.
A degree from @Columbia today is not worth more than a roll of toilet paper. Parents: definitely demand a refund & compensation!
— Councilwoman Inna Vernikov (@InnaVernikov) April 22, 2024
