Columbia University to Offer Hybrid Classes Until End of Semester

Amid ongoing anti-Israel protests at Columbia University’s main campus, classes will now be conducted in a hybrid format.

Following a virtual class day on Passover Monday, the university has released guidelines for the remainder of the semester, which is scheduled to conclude on April 29 according to Columbia’s academic calendar.

“Safety is our top priority as we work to support our students’ learning and maintain essential academic operations,” stated Provost Angela V. Olinto and Chief Operating Officer Cas Holloway in a statement issued on Monday night to faculty and students.

“It is crucial that teaching and learning continue during this time, understanding that conditions may differ across our campuses.”

Olinto announced that all classes at the Manhattan Upper West Side main campus will be conducted in a hybrid manner, with students having the option to attend either in person or remotely depending on classroom technology availability, until the end of the semester.

“Faculty in classrooms or teaching spaces lacking hybrid options should conduct classes remotely if students request virtual participation,” urged Olinto and Holloway.

“For classes that cannot transition to a remote format, faculty are encouraged to provide alternative accommodations to students seeking virtual learning support this week.”

Former White House press secretary Ari Fleischer criticized the decision to transition to hybrid classes for the end of the semester.

“Great. ‘Protesters’ have essentially brought Columbia University to a standstill. It’s disheartening to see how weak the school’s leadership – especially the faculty – is. The school should be fully open (no remote classes) and students disrupting others should be expelled. It’s not difficult,” Fleischer expressed his views on Twitter.

Classes at Columbia’s medical center and Manhattanville campus will remain in person but with accommodations provided for religious or approved disability reasons.

Columbia President Minouche Shafik testified before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce regarding antisemitism on college campuses. Her appearance was met with strong opposition from Republican panel members.

Protests at Columbia have escalated since Shafik’s testimony.

House GOP Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik and other New York Republicans penned a letter on Monday urging Shafik to resign, as reported by the Washington Examiner.

Additionally, New York Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul visited the campus on Monday to address security concerns, as the NYPD enhanced its presence around Columbia.

“Students are feeling scared,” Hochul stated in a video shared on social media. “They are fearful to walk on campus. They don’t deserve this.”

Columbia senior Jacob Schmeltz shared that he opted to go home for Passover instead of celebrating on campus this year due to safety concerns, as reported by CNN.