For the past two years, Barnard students have been allowed access into JJ’s Place on Columbia University’s campus, a dining hall that includes many options not available at the other dining locations. Recently, however, Barnard students have been denied access into JJ’s Place, because of a new rule supposedly put in place by Barnard Dining Services. Not only is this unfair from a financial standpoint, as Barnard students pay considerably more for their meal plans, but it also further hinders social interactions between Barnard and Columbia College students, limits options for students with diet restrictions, and raises question about the ambiguity of Barnard’s and Columbia’s Dining Services as a whole.

Financial Unfairness

First Year Barnard students and some sophomore and juniors pay $2,980 per term for 19 meals per week and 120 flex dollars. Contrastingly, First Year Columbia College students pay $2,507 for 19 meals per week and 75 dining dollars, plus 15 floating meals and 6 faculty meals. They also have more flexibility in their meal plan options. Columbia students have access to all Columbia Dining Halls, as well as Barnard’s Hewitt Dining Hall, whereas First Year Barnard students cannot visit JJ’s Place, one of three Columbia Dining Halls. This raises the question: Why are Barnard Students paying more for less access?

Social Hindrance

Since many Columbia students eat at JJ’s Place, Barnard students are effectively shut out of a lot of impromptu social gatherings when their CC friends decide “Hey! Let’s all go to JJs!” As many Barnard students take classes at Columbia, integration within the social network of the University is very important. Barnard and Columbia College constantly stress the importance of community, but closing JJ’s Place to Barnard students does just the opposite.

Limits Options

Many Barnard students have allergies and diet restrictions that limit which food items they can eat. JJ’s place adds to the variety of locations that students can choose to dine, thus increasing the number of options for those with diet restrictions. Ultimately, this contributes to a healthier, happier campus environment.

Raises Questions

In all, the sudden closure of JJ’s place to first year Barnard students with little explanation raises questions about the inconsistencies in the outlined meal plans and miscommunications between administrators, staff, and students.