Dear CSSW Community,
I wanted to make sure that you saw the important email below from Interim Provost Dennis Mitchell regarding an awful incident that occurred last Friday on our Morningside Campus. Columbia and Barnard students who attended a protest last week have reported that they were attacked by being sprayed with a noxious chemical substance. This is unacceptable and dangerous. CSSW does not condone violence in any manner, which is antithetical to our values. No matter the circumstances, everyone has a right to feel safe on campus. Investigations of the incident, which is also being considered a possible hate crime, are ongoing. Should anyone have additional information or footage from the event, please reach out to the entities in the Provost’s message if you feel comfortable.
Our semester has just started, and the anger, pain, and fear are extremely palpable. My hope is that we at CSSW can set the stage for what it looks like to model the path leading to dialogue and compassion while being presented with the most tragic of circumstances.
As always, should you need additional support during this time, we have resources available to you. You can find a list below.
In community,
Melissa
University Resources for Students
University Counseling and Psychological Services
- Morningside / Manhattanville Campuses: (212) 854-2878
- CUIMC Campus: (212) 305-3400
- Students currently abroad may call International SOS and ask to speak to an Enhanced Emotional Support Counselor at (215) 942-8478.
University Health Services
- Morningside / Manhattanville Campuses: Columbia Health https://health.columbia.edu
- CUIMC Campus: Student Health on Haven cumc.columbia.edu/student-health
Office of the University Chaplain: https://ouc.columbia.edu
Office of Religious Life: http://religiouslife.columbia.edu
International Students and Scholars Office: https://isso.columbia.edu/
University Life: https://universitylife.columbia.edu/
University Resources for Faculty and Staff
Columbia Employee Assistance Program: https://humanresources.columbia.edu/employee-assistance
Office of the University Chaplain: https://ouc.columbia.edu
Office of Religious Life: http://religiouslife.columbia.edu
International Students and Scholars Office: https://isso.columbia.edu/
Message From Interim Provost Dennis Mitchell
Dear fellow members of the Columbia community,
I write to follow up on my earlier message that affirmed Columbia’s commitment to engaging in free expression in a safe and respectful manner.
As some of you may be aware, a deeply troubling incident occurred on the steps of Low Library on Friday. Numerous Columbia and Barnard students who attended a protest later reported being sprayed with a foul-smelling substance that required students to seek medical treatment. After the Department of Public Safety received an initial complaint late Friday night, the University immediately initiated steps to investigate the incident, and has since been actively working with local and federal authorities. The New York City Police Department is taking the lead role in investigating what appear to have been serious crimes, possibly hate crimes.
The University received additional information Sunday night. As a result, the alleged perpetrators identified to the University were immediately banned from campus while the law enforcement investigation proceeds.
We continue to urge those who have relevant information – including pictures, videos, and clothing – to share that with the Department of Public Safety and NYPD. We are grateful to the members of our community who have done so already.
We condemn in the strongest possible terms any threats or acts of violence directed toward anyone in our community. The University is committed to taking urgent action with the appropriate authorities in any such cases. The safety of every single member of this community is paramount.
Our student health offices have support resources for members of our community who feel impacted by recent events, including:
- Morningside and Manhattanville students: Columbia Health supports students’ physical and mental well-being. Columbia Health Counseling and Psychological Services offers individual counseling, support groups, and drop-in hours. Call 212-854-2878 if you are experiencing high levels of distress and need immediate assistance.
- CUIMC students: Student Health on Haven offers support sessions, individual counseling, and support groups. Call 212-305-3400 if you are experiencing high levels of distress and need immediate assistance.
- In addition, please reach out to your Dean of Students as an additional resource for support.
Sincerely,
Dennis
Dennis A. Mitchell, DDS, MPH (he/him)
Interim Provost
Professor of Dental Medicine at CUMC