Alumni of Columbia University have issued a strong statement demanding immediate action to end the occupation of Hamilton Hall on campus. The alumni are calling on school officials, including President Minouche Shafik, to take decisive steps to restore order and safety at the university.
The open letter, signed by over 2,500 alumni, emphasizes the need for the full enforcement of laws and policies to prevent further anarchy on campus. The alumni have expressed concern that the current situation poses a threat to Columbia's fundamental identity.
The letter specifically calls for the expulsion of all students occupying Hamilton Hall and the placement of participating professors on administrative suspension. Additionally, alumni are urging President Shafik to seek assistance from the New York Police Department if necessary to address the ongoing occupation.
According to organizers, a previous statement calling for 'meaningful action' had garnered over 2,080 signatures by Tuesday afternoon. The growing support from alumni reflects a shared sense of alarm over the situation at Columbia University.
In a show of solidarity, alumni from the University of Pennsylvania have also circulated a similar open letter addressing alleged incidents of antisemitism on Penn's campus. The letter calls for an end to the pro-Palestinian encampment at the university and highlights the importance of addressing issues of discrimination and unrest on college campuses.
