Columbia University says it has expelled or suspended some students who took over a campus building during pro-Palestinian protests last spring, and had temporarily revoked the diplomas of some students who have since graduated.
In a campus-wide email sent Thursday, the university said its judicial board had issued its sanctions against dozens of students who occupied Hamilton Hall based on its "evaluation of the severity of behaviors."
The university did not provide a breakdown of how many students were expelled, suspended or had their degree revoked.
Columbia University's statement on expulsions
"Today, the Columbia University Judicial Board determined findings and issued sanctions to students ranging from multi-year suspensions, temporary degree revocations, and expulsions related to the occupation of Hamilton Hall last spring. With respect to other events taking place last spring, the UJB's determinations recognized previously imposed disciplinary action. The return of suspended students will be overseen by Columbia's University Life Office. Columbia is committed to enforcing the University's Rules and Policies and improving our disciplinary processes.
"The outcomes issued by the UJB are based on its evaluation of the severity of behaviors at these events and prior disciplinary actions. These outcomes are the result of following the thorough and rigorous processes laid out in the Rules of University Conduct in our statutes, which include investigations, hearings and deliberations. This process is separate and distinct from the Office of Institutional Equity and the Center for Student Success and Intervention (Student Conduct). We will continue to work to support our community, including protecting the privacy of our students, during this challenging time and we remain steadfastly committed to our values and our mission."
TVNL Comment: Kiss the Ring, Columbia.