Columbia University is taking steps to ease campus restrictions amid days of tense protests. The university plans to allow faculty based on its Morningside campus access to their offices and other spaces on Friday, as stated in a memo from a university official.
Access to the Morningside campus is currently limited to Morningside faculty, students residing on campus, and essential services employees, according to the university's public safety website.
Columbia's Chief Operating Officer, Cas Holloway, emphasized that the safety and security of students, faculty, and staff are the top priorities. The university is working to prevent further disruptions to its academic mission while carefully assessing the risks associated with potential spillover of tensions and activities from the city and across the country onto the campus.
Holloway also expressed concerns about the university being a target for individuals and groups with intentions that may not align with the best interests of the students.
