Columbia has the Kraft Center for Jewish Life, which serves as the campus Hillel, as well as a Chabad, Jewish Greek life organizations, and the Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies.

Litigation & Investigations

In November 2023, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights opened a Title VI investigation following allegations of antisemitism on Columbia’s campus.

In February 2024, Jewish students filed a lawsuit against Columbia and Barnard alleging “severe and pervasive” antisemitism on campus.

In February 2025, the Department of Education launched its own investigation into alleged antisemitic discrimination at Columbia University.

In March 2025, Columbia University was one of the 60 schools that received a letter from the Department of Education accusing them of violating Title VI.

In July 2025, Columbia reached a settlement with the government to resolve multiple federal agency investigations into alleged violations of federal anti-discrimination laws.

What’s Happening on Campus?

In January 2024, the Columbia University Law School Student Senate denied official recognition to the Law Students Against Antisemitism student group after some student senators reportedly objected to the group’s use of the IHRA antisemitism definition. The student group was ultimately granted recognition in February 2024.

In mid-April 2024, anti-Israel protestors at Columbia University established an encampment that lasted almost three weeks and set the trend for encampments nationwide. A series of incidents were recorded at the encampment and at the campus’ main entrance gates, including a protestor holding a sign saying “Al-Qasam’s [sic] next target” in front of a group of Jewish students holding Israeli flags and a visibly Jewish student being shoved and screamed at by protestors, “you’ve got blood on your hands!” when he attempted to recover an Israeli flag. Protestors were also recorded chanting “Al-Qassam you make us proud! Take another soldier out!” and “Hamas we love you. We support your rockets too!” At the end of April 2024, protestors took over the Hamilton Hall building on campus, breaking windows and ignoring the deadline to dismantle the encampment.

In August 2024, the residential building of a Columbia University administrator was vandalized with red paint that included inverted red triangles, a symbol associated with Hamas. In September 2024, a mezuzah was taken from the dorm room door of a Jewish student.

In January 2025, anti-Israel protestors disrupted a History of Modern Israel class. That same month, protesters “cemented” the sewage system at the International Affairs Building and sprayed Henry R. Kravis Hall at the Business School with red paint. The University took immediate remedial action following these incidents, including by suspending the responsible students and issuing public statements detailing the actions that were taken. In February 2025, anti-Israel protestors occupied a building on the neighboring campus of Barnard College (a separate institution). While the protest occurred on Barnard's campus and Columbia did not have operational or security control over the situation, Columbia students were also reportedly involved. 

In May 2025, anti-Israel protesters blocked the entrance to a library at Columbia. When a Jewish student attempted to enter the library, one student said, "Don't let this guy in, he's a fucking Zionist." The University responded swiftly with suspensions and disciplinary proceedings. 

In October 2025, at an anti-Israel rally outside of the campus gates organized by groups including Columbia University Medical Campus 4 Palestine, Students for a Democratic Society, the Palestinian Solidarity Committee, Jewish Voice for Peace, and the Sunrise Movement at Columbia University, protesters chanted, "There is only one solution; Intifada, revolution," a slogan commonly used as a call for violence against Israel and the Jewish community.

University Policies and Responsive Action

Columbia suspended SJP and JVP for “repeatedly violat[ing] university policies related to holding campus events” and for holding a rally “that proceeded despite warnings and included threatening rhetoric and intimidation.” In April 2024, Columbia also suspended four students after an event that featured speakers who “support terrorism and promote violence” was organized in violation of campus policies.

From mid-April to the beginning of May 2024, law enforcement called in by Columbia’s administration arrested over 100 protestors, eventually dismantling the encampment. The University clarified that it would “not divest from Israel,” and that student protestors risked facing suspension and expulsion for violations of the University’s Code of Conduct.

In December 2023, Columbia announced the creation of a Task Force on Antisemitism, which has issued multiple reports. In December 2025, the task force released its final report, which included assertions that Jewish and Israeli students were targeted with hostile questions and scapegoating comments based on their identity; that instructors required students to participate in protests and political activity that went against their beliefs; and that the University’s Middle Eastern Studies department is composed almost exclusively of anti-Zionist faculty who repeatedly failed to protect the academic freedom of Jewish & Israeli students in their classrooms. In response to the report, President Shipman committed to “implementing the recommendations of the task force and addressing antisemitism on our campus.” As of Spring 2026, the task force has made 108 total recommendations, 79 of which have already been implemented by the administration and 29 of which are currently being implemented.

In advance of the 2024-25 academic year, the University established a new Office of Institutional Equity to centralize the reporting and investigation of incidents. Mandatory Title VI training, which includes a module on antisemitism, is now also required for all faculty, employees, contractors, and new hires, while students are required to complete training on the Student Anti-Discrimination & Discriminatory Harassment Policy and Procedures for Students, which covers broad categories of discrimination, including antisemitism. The University also has a Dialogue Across Difference program and the Campus Climate Collaborative, created to generate new ideas and activities in support of that goal. Furthermore, Columbia has introduced both Listening Tables, where students meet to share viewpoints, practice listening, and build mutual understanding, and faculty workshops on building trust and managing sensitive conversations in the classroom.

In September 2024, the University introduced new policies prohibiting the use of terms like "Zionist" when employed to target Jews or Israelis.

In July 2025, Columbia announced the suspension or expulsion of nearly 80 students who participated in an anti-Israel encampment in Spring 2024 and the takeover of Butler Library in spring 2025. That same month, Columbia’s settlement with the government codified a series of significant new measures. Among these is the incorporation of a definition of antisemitism, as recommended by Columbia’s Antisemitism Task Force in August 2024, into the university’s anti-discrimination policies. Columbia will also have dedicated Title VI and Title VII Coordinators to oversee compliance, respond to allegations, and produce an annual public report to leadership and the Board of Trustees on disciplinary outcomes and institutional response, adding both transparency and accountability to its enforcement process.

Furthermore, in Spring and Summer 2025, the University adopted a comprehensive policy framework, prohibiting face masks worn for the purposes of concealing one’s identity; strengthening identification policies; clarifying that protests in academic buildings were violations of campus policies; expanding public safety efforts with 117 new full-time officers; and enhancing policies related to student, faculty, and group conduct.  

During this time, the University also adopted the IHRA definition of antisemitism; doubled the number of staff handling incident complaints; hired a dedicated Title VI coordinator and committed to annual reporting of aggregate statistics about antisemitism and other forms of discrimination on campus. In late 2025, the University also prohibited student group membership discrimination on the basis of political beliefs. 

In October 2025, three events commemorating the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel were reportedly held on campus without any disruptions. 

In November 2025, the University again rejected three proposals for divestment from Israel. 

The University has also launched programming and training partnerships with leading Jewish organizations, including ADL, Project Shema, the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, and Kalaniyot, with plans to explore further cooperation with Yad Vashem. Columbia is also building bridges through partnerships with Interfaith America, the Constructive Dialogue Institute, and StoryCorps’ One Small Step program, expanding opportunities for constructive dialogue, interfaith understanding, and community resilience.

Columbia has the Kraft Center for Jewish Life, which serves as the campus Hillel, as well as a Chabad, Jewish Greek life organizations, and the Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies.

Litigation & Investigations

In November 2023, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights opened a Title VI investigation following allegations of antisemitism on Columbia’s campus.

In February 2024, Jewish students filed a lawsuit against Columbia and Barnard alleging “severe and pervasive” antisemitism on campus.

In February 2025, the Department of Education launched its own investigation into alleged antisemitic discrimination at Columbia University.

In March 2025, Columbia University was one of the 60 schools that received a letter from the Department of Education accusing them of violating Title VI.

In July 2025, Columbia reached a settlement with the government to resolve multiple federal agency investigations into alleged violations of federal anti-discrimination laws.

What’s Happening on Campus?

In January 2024, the Columbia University Law School Student Senate denied official recognition to the Law Students Against Antisemitism student group after some student senators reportedly objected to the group’s use of the IHRA antisemitism definition. The student group was ultimately granted recognition in February 2024.

In mid-April 2024, anti-Israel protestors at Columbia University established an encampment that lasted almost three weeks and set the trend for encampments nationwide. A series of incidents were recorded at the encampment and at the campus’ main entrance gates, including a protestor holding a sign saying “Al-Qasam’s [sic] next target” in front of a group of Jewish students holding Israeli flags and a visibly Jewish student being shoved and screamed at by protestors, “you’ve got blood on your hands!” when he attempted to recover an Israeli flag. Protestors were also recorded chanting “Al-Qassam you make us proud! Take another soldier out!” and “Hamas we love you. We support your rockets too!” At the end of April 2024, protestors took over the Hamilton Hall building on campus, breaking windows and ignoring the deadline to dismantle the encampment.

In August 2024, the residential building of a Columbia University administrator was vandalized with red paint that included inverted red triangles, a symbol associated with Hamas. In September 2024, a mezuzah was taken from the dorm room door of a Jewish student.

In January 2025, anti-Israel protestors disrupted a History of Modern Israel class. That same month, protesters “cemented” the sewage system at the International Affairs Building and sprayed Henry R. Kravis Hall at the Business School with red paint. The University took immediate remedial action following these incidents, including by suspending the responsible students and issuing public statements detailing the actions that were taken. In February 2025, anti-Israel protestors occupied a building on the neighboring campus of Barnard College (a separate institution). While the protest occurred on Barnard's campus and Columbia did not have operational or security control over the situation, Columbia students were also reportedly involved. 

In May 2025, anti-Israel protesters blocked the entrance to a library at Columbia. When a Jewish student attempted to enter the library, one student said, "Don't let this guy in, he's a fucking Zionist." The University responded swiftly with suspensions and disciplinary proceedings. 

In October 2025, at an anti-Israel rally outside of the campus gates organized by groups including Columbia University Medical Campus 4 Palestine, Students for a Democratic Society, the Palestinian Solidarity Committee, Jewish Voice for Peace, and the Sunrise Movement at Columbia University, protesters chanted, "There is only one solution; Intifada, revolution," a slogan commonly used as a call for violence against Israel and the Jewish community.

University Policies and Responsive Action

Columbia suspended SJP and JVP for “repeatedly violat[ing] university policies related to holding campus events” and for holding a rally “that proceeded despite warnings and included threatening rhetoric and intimidation.” In April 2024, Columbia also suspended four students after an event that featured speakers who “support terrorism and promote violence” was organized in violation of campus policies.

From mid-April to the beginning of May 2024, law enforcement called in by Columbia’s administration arrested over 100 protestors, eventually dismantling the encampment. The University clarified that it would “not divest from Israel,” and that student protestors risked facing suspension and expulsion for violations of the University’s Code of Conduct.

In December 2023, Columbia announced the creation of a Task Force on Antisemitism, which has issued multiple reports. In December 2025, the task force released its final report, which included assertions that Jewish and Israeli students were targeted with hostile questions and scapegoating comments based on their identity; that instructors required students to participate in protests and political activity that went against their beliefs; and that the University’s Middle Eastern Studies department is composed almost exclusively of anti-Zionist faculty who repeatedly failed to protect the academic freedom of Jewish & Israeli students in their classrooms. In response to the report, President Shipman committed to “implementing the recommendations of the task force and addressing antisemitism on our campus.” As of Spring 2026, the task force has made 108 total recommendations, 79 of which have already been implemented by the administration and 29 of which are currently being implemented.

In advance of the 2024-25 academic year, the University established a new Office of Institutional Equity to centralize the reporting and investigation of incidents. Mandatory Title VI training, which includes a module on antisemitism, is now also required for all faculty, employees, contractors, and new hires, while students are required to complete training on the Student Anti-Discrimination & Discriminatory Harassment Policy and Procedures for Students, which covers broad categories of discrimination, including antisemitism. The University also has a Dialogue Across Difference program and the Campus Climate Collaborative, created to generate new ideas and activities in support of that goal. Furthermore, Columbia has introduced both Listening Tables, where students meet to share viewpoints, practice listening, and build mutual understanding, and faculty workshops on building trust and managing sensitive conversations in the classroom.

In September 2024, the University introduced new policies prohibiting the use of terms like "Zionist" when employed to target Jews or Israelis.

In July 2025, Columbia announced the suspension or expulsion of nearly 80 students who participated in an anti-Israel encampment in Spring 2024 and the takeover of Butler Library in spring 2025. That same month, Columbia’s settlement with the government codified a series of significant new measures. Among these is the incorporation of a definition of antisemitism, as recommended by Columbia’s Antisemitism Task Force in August 2024, into the university’s anti-discrimination policies. Columbia will also have dedicated Title VI and Title VII Coordinators to oversee compliance, respond to allegations, and produce an annual public report to leadership and the Board of Trustees on disciplinary outcomes and institutional response, adding both transparency and accountability to its enforcement process.

Furthermore, in Spring and Summer 2025, the University adopted a comprehensive policy framework, prohibiting face masks worn for the purposes of concealing one’s identity; strengthening identification policies; clarifying that protests in academic buildings were violations of campus policies; expanding public safety efforts with 117 new full-time officers; and enhancing policies related to student, faculty, and group conduct.  

During this time, the University also adopted the IHRA definition of antisemitism; doubled the number of staff handling incident complaints; hired a dedicated Title VI coordinator and committed to annual reporting of aggregate statistics about antisemitism and other forms of discrimination on campus. In late 2025, the University also prohibited student group membership discrimination on the basis of political beliefs. 

In October 2025, three events commemorating the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel were reportedly held on campus without any disruptions. 

In November 2025, the University again rejected three proposals for divestment from Israel. 

The University has also launched programming and training partnerships with leading Jewish organizations, including ADL, Project Shema, the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, and Kalaniyot, with plans to explore further cooperation with Yad Vashem. Columbia is also building bridges through partnerships with Interfaith America, the Constructive Dialogue Institute, and StoryCorps’ One Small Step program, expanding opportunities for constructive dialogue, interfaith understanding, and community resilience.

Columbia has the Kraft Center for Jewish Life, which serves as the campus Hillel, as well as a Chabad, Jewish Greek life organizations, and the Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies.

Litigation & Investigations

In November 2023, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights opened a Title VI investigation following allegations of antisemitism on Columbia’s campus.

In February 2024, Jewish students filed a lawsuit against Columbia and Barnard alleging “severe and pervasive” antisemitism on campus.

In February 2025, the Department of Education launched its own investigation into alleged antisemitic discrimination at Columbia University.

In March 2025, Columbia University was one of the 60 schools that received a letter from the Department of Education accusing them of violating Title VI.

In July 2025, Columbia reached a settlement with the government to resolve multiple federal agency investigations into alleged violations of federal anti-discrimination laws.

What’s Happening on Campus?

In January 2024, the Columbia University Law School Student Senate denied official recognition to the Law Students Against Antisemitism student group after some student senators reportedly objected to the group’s use of the IHRA antisemitism definition. The student group was ultimately granted recognition in February 2024.

In mid-April 2024, anti-Israel protestors at Columbia University established an encampment that lasted almost three weeks and set the trend for encampments nationwide. A series of incidents were recorded at the encampment and at the campus’ main entrance gates, including a protestor holding a sign saying “Al-Qasam’s [sic] next target” in front of a group of Jewish students holding Israeli flags and a visibly Jewish student being shoved and screamed at by protestors, “you’ve got blood on your hands!” when he attempted to recover an Israeli flag. Protestors were also recorded chanting “Al-Qassam you make us proud! Take another soldier out!” and “Hamas we love you. We support your rockets too!” At the end of April 2024, protestors took over the Hamilton Hall building on campus, breaking windows and ignoring the deadline to dismantle the encampment.

In August 2024, the residential building of a Columbia University administrator was vandalized with red paint that included inverted red triangles, a symbol associated with Hamas. In September 2024, a mezuzah was taken from the dorm room door of a Jewish student.

In January 2025, anti-Israel protestors disrupted a History of Modern Israel class. That same month, protesters “cemented” the sewage system at the International Affairs Building and sprayed Henry R. Kravis Hall at the Business School with red paint. The University took immediate remedial action following these incidents, including by suspending the responsible students and issuing public statements detailing the actions that were taken. In February 2025, anti-Israel protestors occupied a building on the neighboring campus of Barnard College (a separate institution). While the protest occurred on Barnard's campus and Columbia did not have operational or security control over the situation, Columbia students were also reportedly involved. 

In May 2025, anti-Israel protesters blocked the entrance to a library at Columbia. When a Jewish student attempted to enter the library, one student said, "Don't let this guy in, he's a fucking Zionist." The University responded swiftly with suspensions and disciplinary proceedings. 

In October 2025, at an anti-Israel rally outside of the campus gates organized by groups including Columbia University Medical Campus 4 Palestine, Students for a Democratic Society, the Palestinian Solidarity Committee, Jewish Voice for Peace, and the Sunrise Movement at Columbia University, protesters chanted, "There is only one solution; Intifada, revolution," a slogan commonly used as a call for violence against Israel and the Jewish community.

University Policies and Responsive Action

Columbia suspended SJP and JVP for “repeatedly violat[ing] university policies related to holding campus events” and for holding a rally “that proceeded despite warnings and included threatening rhetoric and intimidation.” In April 2024, Columbia also suspended four students after an event that featured speakers who “support terrorism and promote violence” was organized in violation of campus policies.

From mid-April to the beginning of May 2024, law enforcement called in by Columbia’s administration arrested over 100 protestors, eventually dismantling the encampment. The University clarified that it would “not divest from Israel,” and that student protestors risked facing suspension and expulsion for violations of the University’s Code of Conduct.

In December 2023, Columbia announced the creation of a Task Force on Antisemitism, which has issued multiple reports. In December 2025, the task force released its final report, which included assertions that Jewish and Israeli students were targeted with hostile questions and scapegoating comments based on their identity; that instructors required students to participate in protests and political activity that went against their beliefs; and that the University’s Middle Eastern Studies department is composed almost exclusively of anti-Zionist faculty who repeatedly failed to protect the academic freedom of Jewish & Israeli students in their classrooms. In response to the report, President Shipman committed to “implementing the recommendations of the task force and addressing antisemitism on our campus.” As of Spring 2026, the task force has made 108 total recommendations, 79 of which have already been implemented by the administration and 29 of which are currently being implemented.

In advance of the 2024-25 academic year, the University established a new Office of Institutional Equity to centralize the reporting and investigation of incidents. Mandatory Title VI training, which includes a module on antisemitism, is now also required for all faculty, employees, contractors, and new hires, while students are required to complete training on the Student Anti-Discrimination & Discriminatory Harassment Policy and Procedures for Students, which covers broad categories of discrimination, including antisemitism. The University also has a Dialogue Across Difference program and the Campus Climate Collaborative, created to generate new ideas and activities in support of that goal. Furthermore, Columbia has introduced both Listening Tables, where students meet to share viewpoints, practice listening, and build mutual understanding, and faculty workshops on building trust and managing sensitive conversations in the classroom.

In September 2024, the University introduced new policies prohibiting the use of terms like "Zionist" when employed to target Jews or Israelis.

In July 2025, Columbia announced the suspension or expulsion of nearly 80 students who participated in an anti-Israel encampment in Spring 2024 and the takeover of Butler Library in spring 2025. That same month, Columbia’s settlement with the government codified a series of significant new measures. Among these is the incorporation of a definition of antisemitism, as recommended by Columbia’s Antisemitism Task Force in August 2024, into the university’s anti-discrimination policies. Columbia will also have dedicated Title VI and Title VII Coordinators to oversee compliance, respond to allegations, and produce an annual public report to leadership and the Board of Trustees on disciplinary outcomes and institutional response, adding both transparency and accountability to its enforcement process.

Furthermore, in Spring and Summer 2025, the University adopted a comprehensive policy framework, prohibiting face masks worn for the purposes of concealing one’s identity; strengthening identification policies; clarifying that protests in academic buildings were violations of campus policies; expanding public safety efforts with 117 new full-time officers; and enhancing policies related to student, faculty, and group conduct.  

During this time, the University also adopted the IHRA definition of antisemitism; doubled the number of staff handling incident complaints; hired a dedicated Title VI coordinator and committed to annual reporting of aggregate statistics about antisemitism and other forms of discrimination on campus. In late 2025, the University also prohibited student group membership discrimination on the basis of political beliefs. 

In October 2025, three events commemorating the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel were reportedly held on campus without any disruptions. 

In November 2025, the University again rejected three proposals for divestment from Israel. 

The University has also launched programming and training partnerships with leading Jewish organizations, including ADL, Project Shema, the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, and Kalaniyot, with plans to explore further cooperation with Yad Vashem. Columbia is also building bridges through partnerships with Interfaith America, the Constructive Dialogue Institute, and StoryCorps’ One Small Step program, expanding opportunities for constructive dialogue, interfaith understanding, and community resilience.