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From the Editor's Desk Columbia University shut down all in-person classes on Monday, and faculty and staff were encouraged to work remotely. "We need a reset," President Minouche Shafik said, in reference to what she called the "rancor" around pro-Palestinian rallies on campus, as well as the arrest—with her encouragement—of more than 100 student protesters last week. Also on Monday, Columbia's office of the provost put out guidance saying that "virtual learning options" should be made available to students in all classes on the university's main campus until the term ends next week. "Safety is our highest priority," that statement reads.By moving its coursework online, the administration has sent an important set of messages to the public. In the midst of what it says is an emergency, the school asserts that it is still delivering its core service to students. It affirms that universities share the public's perception that education, per se—as opposed to research, entertainment, community-building, or any of the other elements of the college experience—is central to their mission. And it implies that Columbia is carrying out its duties of oversight and care for students. |
Monday 6th May 2024