This spring, Columbia University expelled, suspended, and even revoked degrees from more than 70 students who participated in a largely peaceful pro-Palestinian protest at Butler Library. Most of these students received two-year suspensions. At least one lost their degree. Some were student workers who now face losing their jobs and healthcare. All were punished under a newly centralized disciplinary system that excluded student voices and was shaped under political pressure.

Students are now being told to apologize in order to return. Some were reportedly hospitalized after clashes with campus security and police. Columbia has gone even further by banning the protest group entirely—vowing not to recognize or meet with its members or any affiliated organizations.

These harsh actions send a dangerous message: if students speak out—even peacefully—they risk losing everything.

Protest has always been central to student life at Columbia, from anti-apartheid movements to Vietnam War opposition. Today’s students deserve the same rights to dissent without fear of life-altering punishment.

We call on Columbia University to:

• Reinstate all students who were expelled, suspended, or had their degrees revoked solely for participating in peaceful protest.
• Commit to restoring student participation in disciplinary processes.
• Protect student workers from losing their jobs and healthcare due to nonviolent political activity.
• Affirm that peaceful protest—even on difficult issues—is not only allowed but protected on campus.

Columbia must stop making an example of these students and start upholding the values of academic freedom, fairness, and civil discourse.

Peaceful protest is not a threat to education—it is part of it.

Photo: Lukas Roybal / Staff Photographer, Columbia Spectator