Columbia Law students call for cancellation of finals amidst protests

Students at Columbia Law are requesting the cancellation of final exams in solidarity with Palestine.

The student editors of the Columbia Law Review recently issued a public call for the discontinuation of remaining exams for the semester and to award all students passing grades based on their performance throughout the term.

An open letter from unnamed students stated, “We believe that canceling exams would be a proportionate response to the level of distress our peers have been feeling.”

This plea follows the authorization given by Columbia University on April 30 for the NYPD to remove trespassers who occupied Hamilton Hall, causing damage to the property.

Despite the police intervention, these students characterize it as “violence” that has deeply impacted them and their peers.

The claim that the majority of Columbia Law students, admitted to a highly competitive program, are unable to focus due to recent events on campus raises questions.

The Law Review board mentioned that students are emotionally disturbed and unable to concentrate, and if exams cannot be canceled outright, they request for pass or fail grading.

Interestingly, 74.2% of Columbia Law students support pass or fail grading for this semester, deviating from the usual grading system used by the school.

It reflects poorly on an esteemed institution when a majority of students seek leniency from educators.

Students cite distressing interactions with the police on campus as a reason for their inability to focus and study.

It is evident that Columbia Law School should be teaching its students about respecting property rights and the consequences of trespassing.

It seems that the students did not check the campus rules, which clearly specify the procedures for setting up structures on campus.

As a part-time Columbia student, it is clear that erecting structures without permission is not allowed on campus.

The petition, co-signed by members of other Columbia Law-related publications, urges the school to award passing grades to all students without distinction.

The underlying message seems to suggest leniency even for students with failing grades, allowing them to practice law without meeting the necessary requirements.

The demands put forward by the students are unrealistic and unfair to other students who have diligently prepared for their exams.

Exams are meant to assess knowledge retention and understanding of concepts, and equalizing grades defeats the purpose of examinations.

Facing distress and emotional challenges in academia may pale in comparison to the rigors of actual courtroom proceedings where these students may end up practicing law.

This entitled attitude among students is a reflection of a generation accustomed to receiving special treatment and leniency in academic settings.

Similar demands were met in the past, such as requests for lenient grading following the death of George Floyd, showcasing a trend of coddling students.

In an effort to prioritize student well-being, universities have made concessions to accommodate emotional turmoil caused by external events.

Despite student demands, it is essential for the integrity of Columbia Law School to uphold academic standards and not grant degrees to students who may not be adequately prepared.