Standing Together in the Wake of Anti-Black Violence

June 11, 2020

Our institution respects the dignity of every human life, and we condemn all acts of anti-Black violence. We acknowledge the deep pain that the events of the past few weeks have caused those in our Columbia community and our wider society. 

With respect to questions about the University’s relationship with the New York Police Department, please know that there is no contract between Columbia and NYPD for police services. A memorandum recognizes that our Department of Public Safety will work with the NYPD in specified circumstances, including to investigate reports of missing students and criminal offenses involving violent felonies. All colleges and universities in New York are required by state law to enter this agreement.

This is truly a challenging time for our community and the entire nation, and the University continues to work to unite students, faculty and staff on meaningful ways to positively effect change.