A group of 13 conservative US federal judges have announced their decision to not hire Columbia University law students or undergraduates due to the school’s handling of pro-Palestinian demonstrations on its campus. In a letter sent to Columbia’s president and law school dean, the judges expressed their concerns about the campus becoming a hotspot for student disruptions, antisemitism, and intolerance of diverse viewpoints. They view Columbia as an incubator of bigotry and believe that the institution has disqualified itself from educating future leaders of the country.
The judges’ decision stems from Columbia University’s role as an epicenter for protests against the war in Gaza, which have spread to campuses nationwide. Last week, the New York Police Department was called in to dismantle an encampment and clear protesters who had taken over a building on the campus at the university’s request, resulting in hundreds of arrests. The judges, who were all appointed by former President Donald Trump and primarily serve in Texas, believe that the university should face serious consequences for allowing such disruptions and should identify students and faculty involved for future employers to avoid hiring them.
Federal judges play a significant role in shaping a person’s law career, particularly as they enter the field, as they typically hire law school graduates for clerkships that can lead to prestigious jobs. The judges who signed the letter, including prominent figures such as Judge James C. Ho and Judge Elizabeth L. Branch, believe that Columbia University’s failure to address the disruptions on its campus reflects poorly on its ability to educate and prepare future leaders. They propose steps for the university to take, including recommending serious consequences for those involved in campus disruptions.
Columbia University has a history of student protests that have resulted in varying levels of disruption, including the recent takeover of a school building that led to numerous arrests. The judges argue that unlawfully trespassing and occupying public spaces is grounds for incarceration and believe that the school should take action to prevent similar incidents in the future. They suggest that employers should be made aware of students who engage in disruptive behavior so they can avoid hiring them. This stance highlights the judges’ belief that Columbia University must address and rectify the issues that have arisen on its campus to maintain its reputation as an institution of higher education.
