Dear members of the Columbia community,
As the Trustees of Columbia University, we are entrusted with the responsibility to ensure that the University has the leadership, structures, and resources to fulfill its mission and maintain its values.
We have and continue to support Interim President Armstrong’s approach, including today’s presentation of the University’s progress and deeply thoughtful actions. We are grateful for her principled and courageous leadership during this unprecedented time, and for the steps she has and is taking to strengthen our institution.
Members of our community and external stakeholders have raised concerns about a multitude of issues, such as antisemitism, discrimination, harassment, and bias. We take these concerns seriously, and we are committed to creating a better environment on campus. We are confident that building on the progress and ideas outlined today will help us achieve these goals.
There are many, inside and outside of our community, who are wondering about and characterizing our decision to hold discussions with the federal government. We engaged with the agencies that serve as our regulators on issues that matter both to them and to us. Our goal has been to demonstrate the significant advances we’ve made, discuss the plans for the months ahead, and present Columbia-driven decisions made in accordance with our values and our mission. Where this work aligns with recommendations of others, we believe constructive dialogue makes sense.
We are dedicated to protecting Columbia University’s bedrock principles of academic excellence, open inquiry, and the deeply held value of free expression.
The Trustees of Columbia University