Latest News from Campus

The NYPD arrested nine anti-Israel protesters during a sit-in at Barnard College’s Milstein Center for Teaching and Learning that violated college policy. The protest followed the recent expulsion of two students involved in disruptions of a class about the history of Israel. After Barnard received a bomb threat targeting the center, an evacuation order was issued. Despite warnings, some protesters refused to leave, leading to their arrest for trespassing.

Princeton University’s Resources Committee rejected a proposal to divest from companies that conduct business with Israel. The committee’s decision came after a detailed review of the request, which was made by a group of students. The committee cited concerns over the proposal’s alignment with the university’s investment principles, emphasizing the importance of academic freedom.

The U.S. Task Force to Combat Antisemitism is reviewing $5 billion in grant funding to Columbia University due to high levels of antisemitism on campus. The task force, which includes representatives from the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Education, and the General Services Administration, is investigating Columbia’s response to antisemitic incidents. While the university has expressed a commitment to addressing these issues, the potential funding cuts highlight ongoing concerns about the safety and security of Jewish students.

Cornell Hillel is working towards a new building to enhance Jewish life and community on campus. The new facility, which will be the first-ever stand-alone Hillel at the Ivy League school, will provide dedicated space for religious services, cultural events, and student engagement, further supporting the needs of the university’s growing Jewish student community.

Former U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism Deborah Lipstadt explains why she recently chose not to teach at Columbia University, citing its lack of response to antisemitism following October 7. In this op-ed, she criticizes the university for failing to protect Jewish students and denounces the hostile campus environment that has developed in its aftermath.

Barnard College expelled multiple students who participated in an anti-Israel protest in January that disrupted a History of Modern Israel class at Columbia University. Brian Cohen, executive director of Columbia/Barnard Hillel, applauded Barnard for “taking decisive action.” The incident led the college to reaffirm its commitment to maintaining academic order and student safety.