Kate Huangpu

During the Barnard Student Government Association elections last April, SGA added a referendum to the ballot to gauge students’ support for divestment from companies that “profit from or engage in the State of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians.”

The Office of University Life revised a statement of support in response to the recent shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, after the initial statement garnered widespread criticism from Jewish students and alumni for failing to recognize and condemn the anti-Semitic nature of the attack.

Last Thursday, close to 40 protesters gathered on Low Steps for a protest organized by Students Supporting Israel, chanting, carrying signs, and shouting grievances with Columbia.

Despite Columbia College Student Council’s mission to serve as a liaison between Columbia undergraduates and the administration, both activists and members of CCSC seem to agree on one thing: Historically, the council has not been attuned to the needs of activist groups—specifically those representing marginalized communities.

At a panel attended by over 500 people on Monday, Congressional candidate Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called on Columbia students to register to vote and get involved with local politics.

In his annual Commencement address on Wednesday, University President Lee Bollinger spoke of Columbia’s place in the current tumultuous political environment.

Judy Joo, SEAS ’97, gave an inspiring call to action to the graduating class, encouraging them to follow their passions despite the risks, at the School of Engineering and Applied Science‘s Class Day.

When Nza-Ari Khepra, CC ’18, initially applied to Columbia College, she wasn’t fully aware of the prestigious reputation of Columbia; she had just applied because her father suggested it.