The student editors at the Columbia Law Review have written a letter to the school administrators urging them to cancel the law school’s exams and pass all students following an incident where the police cleared out an anti-Israel encampment. The editors claim that the police action has left the student body “irrevocably shaken” and unable to focus on their studies. They suggest that the school should at least consider allowing students to receive a pass/fail grade due to the emotional distress caused by the events.
The letter from the editors expresses the distress felt by the majority of students at Columbia Law Review following the events that transpired at the school. They mention videos circulating of police clad in riot gear mocking and brutalizing students, which has left many unable to focus and highly emotional. The letter also references the growing distress felt by students for months as issues such as the humanitarian crisis abroad and instances of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and racism on campus have escalated.
The student editors propose that canceling exams or making all courses mandatory pass/fail would be a proportionate response to the level of distress experienced by their peers. The demonstrations at the Manhattan Ivy are part of a larger movement at colleges across the country, with students protesting Israel’s actions in Gaza and calling for divestment from the country. Despite three-quarters of students supporting the idea of making all classes pass/fail, the school administration has refused to consider the request.
The events at Columbia Law School included a large police presence to clear out the anti-Israel encampment that had been disrupting campus life. Amidst the chaos, officers also had to clear out rogue rioters who had taken control of Hamilton Hall, resulting in arrests and vandalism. The university expressed regret at having to involve law enforcement to handle the situation but cited safety concerns as the reason for their actions.
The letter from the student editors at the Columbia Law Review was signed by five other law journals at the school, highlighting the widespread concern among students. The ongoing protests and disruptions on campus have raised safety concerns for some students, with many fearing for their well-being amidst the heightened tensions. Despite the exam period resuming after a brief suspension, the aftermath of the police intervention has left a lasting impact on the student body at Columbia Law School.
