A third student was expelled from Columbia's Barnard College on February 28, 2025, amid rising tensions over pro-Palestinian activism on campus. This expulsion marks a significant action from the college following prolonged disciplinary proceedings initiated ten months prior. The expelled student was reportedly involved in protesting against the university’s investments tied to what they described as genocide and participated in occupying Hind’s Hall.
The case has received considerable attention as it follows the expulsions of two other Barnard students earlier this month. These students had staged protests during classes, contributing to heightened scrutiny of the university’s handling of political expression. Just before the third expulsion, the college administration received notice from the federal government detailing plans to investigate claims of possible unlawful discrimination against Jewish students at various campuses, including Columbia.
The relationship between Barnard College and Columbia University, where the protests initiated last spring, complicates the situation. The protests were part of broader actions advocating for Palestinian rights, leading to accusations of anti-Semitism and heightened tensions within the campus community. Barnard's actions have drawn criticism from the Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD) Defense Working Group, which stated, "Rather than engage with students or divest, Barnard has rushed to satisfy the US Department of Justice by sanctioning and expelling students." This sentiment reflects concerns about the university's commitment to student rights amid external pressures.
The expelled student first faced interim suspension last April as the protests grew. A subsequent interim suspension occurred on May 1, 2024, after the alleged participation in the occupation of Hind’s Hall. Over the following months, additional disciplinary actions were taken against them, culminating with the expulsion notice served based on statements made on private social media. This lengthy process involved limited engagement from faculty, raising mounting concerns among students and faculty alike about procedural fairness.
The expulsion followed significant unrest on campus. On February 26, just two days before the expulsion, nearly 100 students had taken part in sit-in protests outside the Barnard dean’s office, demanding action against the expelled students and expressing frustration over how the investigations were conducted. This outcry resulted from the overarching narrative of students feeling punished for political expression and activism.
CUAD noted swelling community support for the expelled students, with over 122,000 signatures collected on petitions for their reinstatement as of March 3. University officials, meanwhile, have outlined their commitment to maintaining respect and integrity within the academic experience. Barnard’s vice president reiterated, "Expulsion is always an extraordinary measure, but so too is our commitment to respect, inclusion, and the integrity of the academic experience," emphasizing the university's principles even amid controversy.
This recent turmoil is set against the backdrop of broader national conversations surrounding student activism, free speech, and university governance. Barnard has, since President Laura Rosenbury took office, seen about 55 students suspended related to protests advocating Palestinian rights over the last couple of academic years, signaling the growing unease within the academic community over the complex interplay of activism and administrative actions.
The university’s response may have been influenced by national scrutiny, particularly following the executive order by President Trump establishing measures to combat anti-Semitism within educational institutions. Numerous universities, including Columbia, are under examination by federal task forces as they grapple with the intersection of free expression and academic integrity.
Following the disruptions on the campus, Barnard College continues to face pressure from political leaders and public figures. Bipartisan condemnation arose after instances of occupation and disruption, including remarks from New York officials emphasizing the need for safety and respect on campus. “While New Yorkers have every right to express their sorrow, we must always protect students and staff,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams, highlighting the balancing act colleges must navigate.
With demonstrators remaining vocal, questions persist about the future of student protests on college campuses and how administrative frameworks will adapt to the changing political climate. The situation at Barnard College encapsulates these tensions, with the college maintaining firm stances on institutional policies and student engagement amid external pressures and internal divisions.
The saga of activism at Barnard reflects broader themes of how educational environments balance free expression, student rights, and the necessity of addressing sensitive issues with care and integrity. The outcomes of both the current expulsions and the responses from the college could significantly influence student activism and policy-making at campuses nationwide.