The 2023-2024 Protests at Columbia University
This report provides a day-by-day timeline of the events starting in October 2023 through December 2024, based on sources such as news articles and University documents, along with an interview with former President Shafik. We hope that the report will provide the factual foundation for reflecting on the events, as seen by observers on and off campus. However, this report does not endeavor to be a definitive reflection on what happened and why. For example, it is not an oral history, nor an investigation on how decisions were made "behind the scenes." It does not seek to balance the sources cited, nor capture the motivations of individuals involved, nor can it fact-check the sources used. It also does not seek to provide a comprehensive set of recommendations, either for the University as a whole or the Senate.
The report led by the Executive Committee Chair relies heavily on hundreds of media reports, social media posts, announcements by University officials, University Senate resolutions, and other public records. The sheer number of sources cited makes it likely that the report omits relevant materials or misstates the content of sources. Thus, we encourage members of the community to submit material omitted and factual corrections to [email protected] by May 1, 2025. The Senate Executive Committee will then update the report as appropriate, and reserves the right to publish submitted comments. Please share your comments and suggestions, emailing them to [email protected].
Adopted April 26, 2024
The University Senate affirms the principles of academic freedom, the safety of all members of the Columbia university community, and civility despite differences of opinion and studying, teaching; and research have become increasingly difficult for many students, faculty, and other members of the Columbia community; and external entities have sought to interfere in the internal affairs of Columbia University in ways that undermine traditions of academic freedom and shared governance.