MEALAC

Panelists examined the claim that Gaza is the “world’s largest prison” at an event hosted by the Arab Students Association that tackled a variety of issues surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Barely a couple of weeks ago—almost strategically coinciding with the climax of the hunger strike affair—some Columbia faculty members issued a “statement of concern” regarding what they saw as President Bollinger’s failure to defend academic freedom.

The recent tenure battles regarding professors Nadia Abu El Haj and Joseph Massad have led to renewed allegations that undue “outside political influence” is threatening the academic freedom that is at the heart of Columbia University.

Tuesday’s meeting of the Executive Committee of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences is not the first time that University President Lee Bollinger—who can evoke themes like the “global university” and expansion into Manhattanville—has faced criticism from faculty over his defense—or lack thereof—of academic freedom.

Faculty members presented a letter to top administrators Tuesday condemning University President Lee Bollinger for creating a “crisis of confidence” and accusing the University’s administration of inadequately protecting academic freedom on campus.

With new director Mamadou Diouf on board, the Institute of African Studies is back on its feet consolidating courses, programming lectures, and transforming Columbia University into a space for debate about Africa.