Trinity Students’ Union Demands Action Over Alleged Injustices at Columbia University
Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU), has released a strongly worded statement condemning recent developments at Columbia University in New York, as well as what they describe as an overall climate of authoritarianism in the United States. Citing the alleged banning of certain masks on campus, the hiring of “36 special officers” with arrest powers, and the reported review of academic departments such as Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies, TCDSU has called on Trinity College Dublin to safeguard and stand up for its students enrolled in a joint Dual BA Programme with Columbia.
According to TCDSU, multiple Trinity students involved in Pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia have raised concerns about disciplinary measures taken against them. This, they argue, creates a chilling effect on freedom of expression and undermines the academic freedom universities are meant to uphold. The Union’s statement further claims these incidents are part and parcel of a broader trend in US higher education, referencing what they describe as the country’s “further decline into authoritarianism” and threatening the fundamental principles on which universities are built.
TCDSU notes that the President of the Union wrote directly to the Provost and the Head of Global Engagement at Trinity to highlight the wellbeing of Dual BA students, who begin their undergraduate studies in Dublin for two years before transferring to New York to complete their degrees. However, the Union has expressed disappointment with the response from Trinity’s leadership, citing statements by the Vice-Provost of Global Engagement who reportedly described Columbia’s situation as being “between a rock and a hard place” without meaningfully addressing the students’ concerns.
In response, TCDSU issued three primary demands to College authorities:
Proactive Protection: Trinity must fulfil its duty of care to students on the Dual BA Programme, ensuring that anyone facing intimidation or disciplinary action can rely on robust support.
Condemnation of Columbia’s Actions: College leadership is urged to publicly question and condemn the measures taken by Columbia, particularly where they may infringe upon students’ rights to protest or express themselves.
Reevaluation of the Partnership: TCDSU calls for a thorough review of the Trinity–Columbia partnership if students’ welfare continues to be compromised, suggesting that all avenues should be explored to maintain high standards of student wellbeing.
The statement concludes with a rallying cry for “strong leadership from not just Trinity, but from all universities,” pointing out that the sector “cannot stand mouth agape while its future plays out in clear view.” TCDSU, along with the Trinity College Dublin Boycott, Divest, and Sanction (TCD BDS) movement and the Union of Students in Ireland (USI), is urging all concerned students to voice their opinions and hold institutional leadership accountable.
For now, the ball appears to be in Trinity’s court. The actions, or inactions, of College officials will likely shape the trajectory of the partnership and determine whether students feel safe and supported during their studies in New York. As TCDSU puts it, “If now is not the time – then when?”
Link to access TCDSU’s full statement: Here
