Columbia University Goes Hybrid Amid Campus Protests

Columbia University, recently at the center of widespread pro-Palestinian protests on U.S. college campuses, has announced that all main campus classes will switch to a hybrid format until the end of the spring semester on April 29. This decision comes as the university prioritizes the safety and ongoing education of its students amidst escalating tensions.

The unrest, which saw in-person classes suspended, has not been isolated to Columbia. It has also affected other prestigious institutions such as Yale University, where multiple arrests of protesters have been reported, and New York University (NYU), where students and faculty were detained during campus demonstrations. NYU reportedly requested NYPD intervention to maintain order, leading to a significant police presence.

Columbia had already moved to virtual classes this Monday, aligning with the start of Passover and in response to rising security concerns. In a move to mitigate the crisis, Columbia’s President Minouche Shafik announced the transition to hybrid learning in a late-night statement, expressing a need to “deescalate the rancor” and allow the community time to reflect on the next steps.

The situation has drawn attention from higher authorities, with New York Governor Kathy Hochul visiting the campus to address security measures, as NYPD maintains a strong presence around the area.