Dear Students,
We write to inform you that the Student Workers of Columbia - United Auto Workers Local 2110 (“SWC-UAW”) has stated that it is planning to “shut down” the University tomorrow, Wednesday, December 8th, from 8 AM to 6 PM. Although it is not entirely clear what this means, the SWC-UAW has called upon groups external to the University to picket Columbia’s campuses. The University supports community members’ rights to peaceful protest. Blocking entrances to buildings, however, prevents students, faculty, researchers, and staff from conducting their normal activities of teaching, learning, and engaging in academic pursuits, and is in violation of the University Rules of Conduct.
In anticipation of the planned campus disruption, we write to make you aware of important information:
- As part of the University’s fundamental commitment to free speech, Columbia University respects the rights of its community members to participate in peaceful picketing, which are outlined in the University Rules of Conduct. This right to protest is also protected by the National Labor Relations Act.
- Entering a building and disrupting University business of any kind is a violation of the Rules of Conduct, as is preventing access or egress to any University building.
- You can learn more about interacting with individuals or groups who are striking or picketing on Columbia’s campuses here, and more about the University’s attempts to bargain with the SWC-UAW here.
- Every reasonable effort will be made to help ensure safe access to campus buildings, which remain open to Columbia affiliates with an active CUID who are in compliance with the ReopenCU requirements.
We encourage you to learn more about the Rules of Conduct here.
You can always reach out to University Life with questions or concerns at [email protected].
Respectfully yours,
Dennis A. Mitchell (he/him/his)
Executive Vice President for University Life
Senior Vice Provost for Faculty Advancement
Professor of Dental Medicine at CUMC
David M. Greenberg
Executive Vice President
University Facilities and Operations
