Listening, Learning, and Starting the Conversation

Dear members of the Columbia community:

It’s been just under a week since I stepped into this new role. Thank you to all who have taken the time to welcome me and to share your thoughts. I want to take a minute to address some of the key questions I’ve heard this week. 

First, the commitments the University made to address antisemitism, harassment, and discrimination, which were outlined on March 21, are now my commitments, and work is underway to continue their implementation. We are not changing course. I believe the plans, many of which were already underway, are the right thing to do, and good for our institution. I’ve seen, firsthand, the devastating impact of antisemitism on our community. I also understand the pain of having our institution labeled this way. But that doesn’t mean we should shy away from addressing a very real problem.

Second, we are proceeding, with integrity and care, in our discussions with the federal government about restoring our research funding. Our relationships with multiple federal agencies are longstanding; they are essential research partners for us. We hope to resume those partnerships soon. I am aware of the deep anxiety affecting our research community, and we’ve taken great care to provide as much transparency as possible, including making a near-term commitment to pay the salaries and stipends of those affected, as we work to restore funding and consider alternative funding mechanisms.  

Third, I also want to acknowledge the deep fear and uncertainty being felt at this moment in our international community. I see you, and I hear you, and the University administration is, and I am, deeply concerned for all our international students and scholars. Our international community is essential to driving excellence here, in scholarship and research. I’ll also take this moment to put some rumors to rest. No member of the leadership team or the Board of Trustees ever notified ICE about any members of our community. Full stop. And we are watching these cases carefully.

We are committed to supporting our international community in any way possible for us. I’ve asked our team to substantially increase our funding and hours for our International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO), so that our advisors are more readily available to help. Let me also make this clear—Columbia doesn’t have the ultimate authority, and we’re committed to following the law.

Finally, I know it is surprising to see me in this role. And let me assure you, the word “acting” is intentional. I didn’t seek this position; I was asked to step in during this difficult moment to provide continuity while a search process, which will include the community and faculty, gets underway. I am committed to navigating Columbia through this moment to the best of my ability.

I have more listening to do, and you will continue to hear from me. I am eager to see you on campus and at all the many activities as our Commencement season gets underway. Thank you for your engagement, your passion, and your unwavering commitment to our University.

Sincerely,

Claire Shipman
Acting President, Columbia University in the City of New York