Outside Columbia’s gates, hundreds of students and community residents cheered, honked, sang, and danced to celebrate the victory of the projected president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden. For many, it was the first presidential election they voted in.

A swastika was drawn on the steps of Low Library on Tuesday night, according to statements released by both Barnard and Columbia where administrators condemned the act of vandalism and promised to work toward creating safe communities. There have been four incidents of anti-Semitic vandalism reported at Columbia in the past year.

Outside of Costas Ieromonahos’ iconic Tom’s Restaurant in Morningside Heights, all but two of the tables he had set up on the sidewalk for the lunchtime rush stand are empty. A few pedestrians make their way down Broadway in the July heat, ensuring there is a 6-foot bubble of space between them and passersby. Those who venture outside are met with the discordant sound of tires cruising across the pavement.