Last spring, Columbia University was the center of protests over the war in Gaza, but now, nearly a year later, students are reluctant to protest due to crackdowns on international student activists by the Trump administration, harsh punishments for participants in last year’s protests, and new rules imposing restrictions on campus demonstrations. Despite the fear, some students are finding ways to protest, such as holding vigils and sitting out of classes in defiance. The university has agreed to several changes, including banning masks at protests, increasing campus security, and appointing a senior vice provost to oversee certain departments. The federal government has threatened to cut funding, citing harassment of Jewish students, prompting the university to comply with their demands. The ACLU has raised concerns about First Amendment rights, while the Department of Justice defends its actions to protect Jewish Americans. Education Secretary Linda McMahon indicated that there is no timeline for restoring funding to the university, but they are on the “right track.” The university remains committed to combating antisemitism while protecting free expression. Faculty members have expressed alarm over the situation, and the AAUP has sued federal agencies for violating professors’ free speech rights. The overall mood on campus is described as a combination of normal life and abnormal circumstances.
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