Our Commitment to Safety and Support for Every Member of Our Community

March 06, 2026

Dear members of the Columbia community:

The detainment of one of our students by the Department of Homeland Security last week was deeply troubling and unsettling for our University community. Understandably, many members of our community are still experiencing a good deal of fear and uncertainty and asking what more we and the University can do to support the safety of our community. We write to update you on important steps the University has undertaken over the last week to enhance safety and clarify protocols and procedures regarding interactions with law enforcement.

  • Personnel with a frontline role at our campus gates and at apartment buildings and residence halls have received additional trainings to reinforce access procedures and ensure they are confident and able to act in accordance with University protocols regarding law enforcement access.
  • Additional Columbia Public Safety patrols—in vehicles and on foot—have been deployed around all University residential apartment buildings with a particular focus in areas near buildings without door attendants.
  • Our residential apartment buildings continue to upgrade infrastructure to allow for the installation of video intercom systems. Currently, the majority of apartment buildings without door attendants have video intercom systems installed, with installation across all apartment buildings expected to be completed by the end of June 2026.
  • Additional signage on our protocols has been posted in elevators or common areas of all Columbia Residential apartment buildings. Signage on exterior doors reminding residents not to allow “piggybacking” or unauthorized visitors is already posted. Palm cards for all students, faculty, and staff containing the University’s protocols and “know your rights” guidelines are being printed and will be available in the next week at apartment buildings, undergraduate residence halls, University Life offices, with individual schools’ Dean of Students, and in academic buildings across our campuses.

The University recognizes that our training must continue to evolve and change to respond to a fluid security environment. In that spirit, the University is engaging with New York City and New York State officials to learn from and further enhance our training and protocols for all our frontline staff. To reiterate, Columbia University does not permit law enforcement officials to enter University residences or other private property except under specific circumstances: when they are responding to legitimate emergencies or requests for police assistance, or when they present a valid judicial warrant or judicial subpoena, as determined by authorized University officials. If you encounter law enforcement asking to enter a building, ask for identification and credentials and immediately contact Public Safety.

Helping maintain a safe environment is a shared responsibility, whether that’s on our campuses or in our daily activities around the city. Being aware of your surroundings and knowledgeable about the resources available to you, from personal safety tools and training opportunities to mental health and wellness support, is vital.  We have appreciated your suggestions of seeking additional training information from community organizations, and we will look into these suggestions further. We will continue to consult with our Campus Safety Advisory Committee on these and other public safety matters impacting our community in the weeks and months ahead.

Public Safety takes seriously its role of protecting our community and being members of this community. Our teams are committed to performing to the highest professional, legal, and institutional standards and to working with and empowering our community with the knowledge and tools essential to building a campus climate where everyone feels secure and included. Please feel free to direct any further questions or suggestions to [email protected].

Sincerely,

David Greenberg
Executive Vice President, Columbia University Facilities and Operations

Brian McPherson
Deputy Vice President, Columbia University Public Safety