Columbia University Archives

Trump’s NIH pick weighs withholding research grants from ‘woke’ colleges

December 9, 2024
Universities with “woke policies” could see federal research grants withheld under the new Trump administration, according to the Wall Street Journal. This comes after President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced his plans to address campus culture at elite universities.

Dr. Jay Bhattacharya’s plans include tying the agency’s tens of billions of dollars in research grants to what he defines as “academic freedom.” That’s according to sources familiar with the talks who spoke with the Journal.

Bhattacharya could use a ranking system developed by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). The ranking system would determine a university’s level of academic freedom.

The system rates universities based on their track record with freedom of speech and how comfortable students feel expressing differing opinions on campus. According to the Journal, schools that punish faculty or uninvite controversial speakers could face reduced funding.

Some universities that currently receive large NIH grants have received poor rankings from FIRE. They include the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, and the University of Southern California.

In contrast, schools such as the University of Virginia and Florida State University received praise for their strong academic freedom records.

Bhattacharya’s push to prioritize academic freedom comes after his own struggles with public backlash over his views. Those views include the nation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He faced criticism for opposing lockdowns and mask mandates, widely unaccepted positions at the time. Bhattacharya has stated that universities should be places where dissenting ideas are protected, not silenced.

The proposal to tie research grant funding to free speech promotion on campuses has quickly become controversial. Supporters argue it will encourage universities to end “woke” policies and “cancel culture.”

Critics, however, fear the plan could politicize scientific research and hinder innovation.

Some warn linking research grants to political factors could delay crucial medical research and progress on cures for diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s. They said this is particularly worrisome at progressive universities with successful scientific programs.

Bhattacharya’s proposal is expected to be a key point of discussion during Senate debates on his potential leadership.
Related Stories
Columbia suspends pro-Israel professor over alleged harassment

October 17, 2024
Columbia University has suspended a pro-Israel professor from campus after he publicly criticized school officials for allowing anti-Israel protests. Officials from the school said they respected Shai Davidai’s right to free speech, but he had recently “harassed and intimidated” other school employees.

Earlier this year a group of pro-Palenstine students also filed a formal complaint against Davidai claiming he intentionally put vulnerable students at risk through his actions.

Davidai posted a series of videos on social media showing himself at a campus protest Monday, Oct. 7, the anniversary of the Hamas attack. One of the videos showed him confronting Columbia Chief Operating Officer Cas Holloway for allegedly letting the demonstrations happen.

In the video, Davidai approached Holloway and repeatedly asked him why he let the pro-Palestine protests happen. Holloway continued to say “excuse me” while Davidai followed him.

pic.twitter.com/q3il38FCXL
— Shai Davidai (@ShaiDavidai) October 7, 2024

A university spokesperson said Davidai’s suspension from campus is temporary while he goes through behavioral training. The suspension does not impact his position or compensation.

Davidai said he will keep fighting for what he believes in, but is unsure of his next steps.

The turmoil over Israel-Hamas war protests at Columbia University ultimately led President Minouche Shafik to resign. This came after three Columbia deans resigned following alleged text messages that included antisemitic tropes.

Congressional Republicans are conducting an ongoing investigation into allegations of antisemitism at the university.
Related Stories
Marijuana addiction, other side effects rising with legalization and higher usage

October 4, 2024
As marijuana becomes legal in more parts of the United States, be it medicinal or recreational, more people are using it. That also means more people are experiencing its unpleasant and potentially dangerous side effects.

A recent data analysis done for The New York Times found that nearly a third of all users – about 18 million people – have reported symptoms of cannabis use disorder, and about 3 million of them would be considered addicted to cannabis.

Symptoms of cannabis use disorder include impaired control, cannabis use becoming a high priority – even if it causes issues in your school, work, or personal life or leads to riskier behavior, and physiological dependence – needing more cannabis to get the same high or showing symptoms of withdrawal. These are all symptoms commonly associated with addiction, as well.

The Columbia University epidemiologist who did the analysis for the Times based her research on responses to the 2022 national drug use survey conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services.

The researcher found cannabis use was especially common among 18- to 25-year-olds surveyed, with 4.5 million reporting they use it daily or almost daily. Furthermore, 81% of them met the criteria for cannabis use disorder.

Doctors say they’ve seen a sharp rise in something called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). It’s a condition brought on by heavy cannabis use that causes users to experience nausea, vomiting and pain and can lead to extreme dehydration, seizures, kidney failure and cardiac arrest.

In rare and extreme cases, CHS has been deadly. The Times said it found CHS could be linked to at least eight deaths in the U.S. since the condition was first documented in 2004 – including some cases that were not previously known about before the Times commissioned this study.

CHS is not consistently documented, but researchers estimate up to a third of near-daily cannabis users in the U.S. experience mild to severe symptoms of it.

Another side effect of marijuana that’s not often warned about but is becoming more common is temporary psychosis. It’s also being increasingly linked to people developing chronic psychotic disorders, like schizophrenia.

While some form of marijuana use is legal in fewer than half of states, it remains illegal under federal law. With that, its effects have not been widely studied, and laws surrounding marijuana use are not consistent.
Related Stories
Harvard and Columbia ranked worst for free speech amid campus tensions

September 5, 2024
Harvard and Columbia have just been named the worst U.S. colleges for free speech, according to a new analysis from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) and College Pulse. The report, released Thursday, Sept. 5, ranked 251 schools, and for the second year in a row, Harvard ranks at the very bottom.

The institutions, along with others, faced backlash this year over how they handled pro-Palestinian student protests.

Free speech on campuses has been declining for years, according to FIRE’s president in an interview with Axios. He said the Israel-Palestine issue has really drawn attention to the problem on a massive scale.

Harvard, Columbia and New York University all ranked at the bottom of the report, with their speech climates described as “abysmal.” Other schools like the University of Pennsylvania, Barnard College, Syracuse and USC were also considered “very poor” for free speech.

FIRE suggests students and families consider a school’s speech ranking when choosing where to apply. Schools that are ranked high include the University of Virginia, Michigan Tech and Florida state, and are public institutions.

Over 58,000 students were surveyed. A record 55% of students respondents say it’s difficult to discuss major issues on campus, such as the Israeli-Palestinian debate. A further 32% of students now say using violence to stop a campus speech is at least “rarely” acceptable.
Related Stories
Masked protesters disrupt Columbia’s first day back with anti-Israel rallies

September 4, 2024
Students have returned to the campus of Columbia University. The schooled kicked off its first day of classes this week, which also marked the return of pro-Palestinian protesters, reigniting tensions that rocked the school during the last academic year.

Around 50 demonstrators gathered in front of Columbia’s main gates on Tuesday, waving Palestinian flags and chanting “free Palestine.” The New York Police Department reported some protesters were taken into custody. Meanwhile, a Columbia spokesperson said despite the protests, the university had a productive first day.

Some entrances were closed and access was limited to students, staff and preauthorized guests. Columbia’s new leadership has been working to calm tensions by holding listening sessions.

The university released a report on campus antisemitism, and even rolled out new protest guidelines aimed at reducing disruption. But for student organizers, the measures aren’t what they’re looking for.

They say they’re planning to escalate their actions, including potential encampments, until the university cuts ties with companies linked to Israel.

This semester begins under the shadow of last spring’s turmoil, which saw then-president Minouche Shafik resign after twice calling in police to break up protest encampments. The university went into lockdown when officers made arrests during a student occupation of a campus building, further escalating tensions.

Today, the atmosphere at Columbia is significantly different. Security has been tight, with ID checks at campus gates and new rules prohibiting camping on university grounds. Officials at Columbia and universities nationwide continue to debate about the definition of antisemitism.
Related Stories
Should face masks be banned at college campus protests?

August 28, 2024
More than 100 pro-Israeli demonstrators gathered near Columbia University on Tuesday, Aug. 27, advocating for universities to ban face masks and coverings during protests. They argued that such bans would enhance safety and address concerns about people concealing their identities to avoid arrest.

Those against a face mask ban say it is a student’s right to wear one if they choose. This call for a mask ban follows confrontations during spring protests at Columbia, where some pro-Palestinian demonstrators wore masks while vandalizing the campus and committing antisemitic acts.

“While removing masks won’t eliminate hatred, it might introduce accountability,” Shai Davidi, an assistant professor at Columbia Business School, told CBS News.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams indicated he shares these concerns. He has previously expressed support for a mask ban with exceptions for health or religious reasons.

However, an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union said the ban gives police too much power.

“Masks not only protect people’s health, but they also permit people to engage in protected First Amendment activity,” the attorney said.

In Nassau County, New York, a newly enacted mask ban sparked controversy.

On Sunday, Aug. 25, an 18-year-old migrant was the first person arrested under this law. According to The New York Times, he was charged with wearing a mask in public and possessing a 14-inch knife. His arrest marked a milestone moment in the debate over mask regulations in New York state.
Related Stories
US colleges rewrite protest policies ahead of fall semester

August 16, 2024
As the fall semester approaches, U.S. colleges are rewriting protest rules to manage potential demonstrations, similar to the ones that occurred in spring of 2024. That is when hundreds of Gaza war protesters were arrested on numerous college campuses, like UCLA and Columbia, after escalating tensions led to police confrontations.

Jewish students also said pro-Palestinian activists barred them from accessing certain areas of campus, such as classrooms and buildings.

Now, with fall semester around the corner, universities nationwide are implementing new measures to curb anti-war demonstrations, including banning encampments, limiting protest durations and restricting campus access.

The American Association of University Professors criticized “overly restrictive policies” that may stifle free expression on campuses.

Despite the new regulations, student protesters remain committed to their cause, fueled by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where the Hamas-run Health Ministry announced this week more than 40,000 Palestinians have now died since the war started.

College presidents also faced intense scrutiny for their handling of those demonstrations and antisemitism concerns.

A number of Ivy League leaders have resigned in recent months. Columbia University President Minouche Shafik resigned Wednesday, Aug. 14. Harvard University President Claudine Gay, and University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill both resigned earlier in 2024.

The tension between maintaining campus order and preserving academic freedom is likely to be tested in the coming months.
Related Stories
Columbia University’s president resigns in wake of campus protests

August 15, 2024

Columbia University President Minouche Shafik has resigned effective immediately. The decision announced on Wednesday, Aug. 14, comes months after student protests over the Israel-Hamas war turned destructive, leading to multiple arrests and widespread criticism over how the university handled the demonstrations.

https://twitter.com/Columbia/status/1823880936674496686

In April, more than 100 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested, and an on-campus tent encampment was removed by New York City police after Shafik gave them the go-ahead. Students pushed back, leading to weeks of protests and widespread tent encampments before students ultimately ended up occupying the university’s Hamilton Hall.

Shafik — who became the first woman and person of color to lead the university just last year — is the third Ivy League president to step down in recent months among concern over antisemitism on college campuses.
Biden, Harris making first trip together since Biden dropped out of 2024 race

August 15, 2024
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will make their first trip together since the president dropped out of the 2024 race. And Columbia University’s president becomes the latest Ivy League leader to step down following concerns of antisemitism on college campuses. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024.

Biden, Harris making first trip together since Biden dropped out of 2024 race

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will be in Maryland on Thursday, Aug. 15, for their first joint appearance since Biden dropped out of the 2024 race. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump will be in Bedminster, New Jersey to host another news conference following his rally in the battleground state of North Carolina on Wednesday, Aug. 14.

The Biden and Harris are expected to focus on efforts to lower prescription drug costs Thursday, Aug. 15. On Friday, Aug. 16, Harris will be in North Carolina to lay out her own economic agenda, which is said to include a plan to “tackle inflation” and “lower costs for middle class.”

The economy is taking center stage in the race this week, as Trump also laid out some of his plans for the economy when he was in North Carolina. He told rallygoers he plans to remove taxes on Social Security and claimed his administration would slash energy costs to ease inflation.

With the Democratic National Convention (DNC) starting on Aug. 19 in Chicago, Trump’s campaign said it plans to offer some sort of counter-programming. Harris’ presidential campaign is launching a $90 million advertising effort over the next three weeks. It’ll be her campaigns’ largest-yet investment in messaging to voters with just two and a half months left until Election Day.

Walz agrees to vice presidential debate on Oct. 1

On the vice presidential front, both Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minn, and Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, have also been busy. Each hit the campaign trail in solo appearances in rallies and fundraising events across battleground states.

Vance held a rally in Michigan on Wednesday, Aug. 14, and will speak at a veterans event Thursday, Aug. 15 morning in Pennsylvania. Walz held events in Denver and Boston on Wednesday and will be campaigning in Newport on Thursday.

Walz has also now officially accepted an invitation from CBS News for a vice presidential debate on Oct. 1.

Vance has not formally accepted. He said in an interview he wants to know the debate rules and moderators first to avoid what he called a “fake news media garbage debate” but added he “strongly suspects” he will be there.

Columbia University’s president resigns in wake of recent protests

Columbia University President Minouche Shafik has resigned effective immediately. It comes months after student protests over the Israel-Hamas war turned destructive, leading to multiple arrests and widespread criticism over how the university handled the demonstrations.

https://twitter.com/Columbia/status/1823880936674496686

In April, more than 100 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested, and an on-campus tent encampment was removed by New York City police after Shafik gave them the go-ahead. Students pushed back, leading to weeks of protests and widespread tent encampments before students ultimately ended up occupying the university’s Hamilton Hall.

Shafik — who became the first woman and person of color to lead the university in 2023 — is the third Ivy League president to step down in recent months among concern over antisemitism on college campuses.

Hurricane Ernesto heads toward Bermuda after pounding Puerto Rico

A hurricane watch is in effect in Bermuda as Ernesto heads that way after dropping torrential rain on Puerto Rico. That storm also knocked out power to two-thirds of homes and businesses across the U.S. territory.

https://twitter.com/FernandoGFTV/status/1824018873236021481

Ernesto, which is currently a Category 1 hurricane, is strengthening and could become a Category 3 hurricane by Friday, Aug. 16. Its center was expected to pass near Bermuda on Saturday, Aug. 17.

Cisco cuts 7% of workforce amid focus shift

Cisco Systems, one of the world’s largest makers of computer networking equipment, has announced its second round of job cuts this year. The tech company plans to cut about 7% of its workforce, which is expected to affect nearly 6,000 employees.

This comes after the company already laid off around 4,000 workers in February. Cisco said the jobs cuts come as the company pivots its focus to artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

Mars to buy Kellanova for $36 billion

The merger that’s shaking up the snack food aisle is now official. Candy giant Mars has acquired the snack food maker Kellanova.

Mars, the company behind M&Ms and Snickers, is buying Kellanova, the maker of Cheez-Its and Pringles, for nearly $36 billion.

The purchase is not expected to close until next year, but analysts have been discussing what’s in it for mars. Bank of America’s Peter Galbo told CNBC the deal gives Mars three things: Additional space in stores beyond the chocolate section, expansion in international markets and innovative new product opportunities.

“Then third and probably the most fun for the consumer, you’re going to get the fun innovation with the salty and sweet what we’ve seen out of Hershey over the past year with things like chocolate covered popcorn.” Galbo said. “Now Mars will have that opportunity with some of the Kellanova brands.”

The Associated Press suggested the deal could lead to possible combinations like Skittles-flavored Pop-Tarts or Snickers-flavored Pringles.
Related Stories
Columbia University requiring ID to get on campus in face of potential protests

August 13, 2024
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.
Related Stories

Trump’s NIH pick weighs withholding research grants from ‘woke’ colleges

Columbia suspends pro-Israel professor over alleged harassment

Marijuana addiction, other side effects rising with legalization and higher usage

Harvard and Columbia ranked worst for free speech amid campus tensions

Masked protesters disrupt Columbia’s first day back with anti-Israel rallies

Should face masks be banned at college campus protests?

US colleges rewrite protest policies ahead of fall semester

Columbia University’s president resigns in wake of campus protests

Columbia University requiring ID to get on campus in face of potential protests

Certified unbiased reporting

Transparent and credible

Newsletter

Stay connected

Trump’s NIH pick weighs withholding research grants from ‘woke’ colleges

Columbia suspends pro-Israel professor over alleged harassment

Marijuana addiction, other side effects rising with legalization and higher usage

Harvard and Columbia ranked worst for free speech amid campus tensions

Masked protesters disrupt Columbia’s first day back with anti-Israel rallies

Should face masks be banned at college campus protests?

US colleges rewrite protest policies ahead of fall semester

Columbia University’s president resigns in wake of campus protests

Biden, Harris making first trip together since Biden dropped out of 2024 race

Columbia University requiring ID to get on campus in face of potential protests