Calls for Tuition Refunds Grow at Columbia University

There are growing demands for tuition refunds at Columbia University due to the way it has handled anti-Israel protests that have disrupted the prestigious Ivy League institution since last week.

The university has been struggling to manage the protests that have resulted in numerous arrests on its New York campus since Thursday. Following a day of remote classes on Monday, Columbia Provost Angela Olinto announced in a memo to students and faculty that the university will be transitioning to remote learning for the remainder of the spring semester.

“Safety is our top priority as we work to support our students’ learning and maintain all necessary academic operations,” Olinto stated. “It is crucial that teaching and learning continue during this time.”

For the 2023-24 school year, undergraduate tuition at Columbia was $68,400, as noted on the university’s website, in addition to around $21,187 for housing, food, books, and student fees.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee called for tuition refunds in a tweet on Monday, particularly in light of the actions taken against Israel-born assistant professor Shai Davidai, who was barred from campus after attempting to lead a pro-Jewish rally.

“Jewish professor at Columbia is denied access to campus while violent anti-Semitic anarchists are allowed to spread genocidal chants,” Huckabee remarked. “Parents with children at Columbia should request a refund and consider legal action for breach of contract.”

New York Councilwoman Inna Vernikov echoed Huckabee’s sentiments in a tweet on Monday, stating that a degree from Columbia is currently less valuable than a roll of toilet paper. She encouraged parents to demand refunds and compensation.

Columbia junior Michael D’Agostino expressed frustration with the switch to hybrid classes, emphasizing the high cost of tuition at the school and the impact on students’ education.

In a conversation with the New York Post, D’Agostino shared his disappointment with the disruption to his studies, particularly in applied physics and math.

Following a year of online classes during the COVID pandemic, D’Agostino described the situation as disheartening and emphasized the negative impact on students’ education.