The university's Board of Trustees endorsed the reforms after meeting with federal agencies to discuss changes the school has implemented. In a letter to the academic community, the trustees stated they believe these changes align with the school's values and mission while addressing federal concerns.
"Members of our community and external stakeholders have raised concerns about a multitude of issues, such as antisemitism, discrimination, harassment, and bias," the trustees wrote. "We take these concerns seriously, and we are committed to creating a better environment on campus."
The policy changes appear to directly respond to demands from the Trump administration, which had called for the university to enforce disciplinary policies, implement protest rules, ban masks, hold student groups accountable, empower campus law enforcement, and review its Middle East studies programs and admissions processes.
Under the new framework, Columbia will hire 36 new campus police officers specifically trained to handle protests, with authority to remove or arrest protesters. The university will continue cooperating with the New York Police Department as needed.
New protest regulations require all demonstrators to show university ID when asked and prohibit face coverings intended to conceal identity. The university has also banned protests inside and immediately outside academic buildings, with the provost's office gaining expanded authority over student disciplinary actions related to demonstrations.
These changes follow last spring's events when students and non-university affiliates occupied Hamilton Hall, leading to over 110 arrests. According to the university document, Columbia has "expelled, suspended or temporarily revoked the degrees of students who occupied Hamilton Hall in April 2024," with additional disciplinary proceedings against other encampment participants ongoing.
