After pro-Hamas protests erupted on college campuses in the spring of 2024, some universities are implementing new rules on who can access their schools. Columbia University previously became the epicenter of pro-Palestinian protests. The campus now faces the possibility of renewed demonstrations as student activists have vowed to escalate their activities in the new school year.
The school is taking steps to prevent a flood of disruptions, telling students and staff the campus status has moved to “orange.” That means only those with proper Columbia-affiliated school IDs can access the Manhattan campus. The announcement comes just three weeks before fall classes begin.
Those on campus will be required to always carry proper ID. Pre-registered guests will also be allowed, but only once they undergo a registration process using a valid government-issued ID.
Columbia University Chief Operating Officer Cas Holloway said the school knows it will be inconvenient. However, he said the school is “particularly concerned about non-affiliates who may not have the best interests of the Columbia community in mind.”
Holloway referred to the anti-Israel protests and encampments that led to hundreds of arrests, academic disruptions and the cancellation of major university events, including spring commencement.
New York City police said 29% of the people arrested at Columbia during the spring protests were not affiliated with the school.
The move raises questions about balancing security with academic freedom and free speech.
The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned the move, claiming its purpose was “to silence dissent.”
Some Jewish students called the entry restrictions well-intentioned but ultimately insufficient.
Fall classes at Columbia begin Sept. 3.
