Columbia University has announced new mask bans, employment of special executives and other new policies. Trump administration demands.
Thursday was marked The Trump administration gives Columbia deadline Comply with the list of requests before discussing Federal government-tugs $400 million Because the school called it not protecting its students from anti-Semitism.
“Our response to government agencies outlines the substantial work we have done in the last semester to ensure we are on our mission, ensure uninterrupted academic activity, and ensure that all students, faculty and staff are safe and welcoming on campus.”
Face masks have been banned, officials announced
One new policy is the prohibition of face masks or covers intended to hide personal identity. However, the policy states that “face masks or facial coverings are always permitted for religious or medical reasons.”
Additionally, anyone participating in a protest or demonstration on campus must present their university ID if asked by a university representative or a public security officer.
The school is also hiring 36 new special officers with the ability to take or arrest people from campus when necessary.
“These individuals have almost completed training and qualifications under New York State law to work on our campus,” the policy states in part. “While we train and qualify internal security forces, we will continue to rely on our relationship with the NYPD to provide additional security assistance when necessary.”
There are also changes to the disciplinary process, such as moving the University Judiciary Committee within the President’s Office. It also has the new agency Fair Office with 57 full-time staff to investigate discrimination complaints.
Academics and Admission Policy Under Examination
The university will also appoint a new Senior Deputy Bureau to review educational programs related to Middle Eastern research. Armstrong says this review works to ensure that education delivery is comprehensive and balanced.
Columbia will also review admission procedures and recommend ways to ensure an impartial admission process.
The interim president has said the office will adopt an institutionally neutral position and establish an institution-wide policy that implements that stance.
Students respond to new policies
It is unclear whether the Trump administration will begin to recover its $400 million federal grants and funds.
Colombia wants to get the money back, but what cost do some students ask?
“It’s not a government place to actually do these things,” said student Yousif Elhaj.
“To be honest, honestly, I think that’s a bit of a disgrace,” said student Landon Pottebaum. “Columbia has a long reputation, and it has a long history of being a protest school, and it has been rocking in the face of federal actions and students have been acting on their own, so I think this is just a co-ill act.”
In the letter, the Department of Education said compliance with their requests was a prerequisite for discussing school financial relations with the federal government.
More about CBS News
Ali Bauman
