Instead of celebrating at Columbia University's annual "Alumni Day" for the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), a group of alumni chose to protest. These former students gathered to publicly rip up their diplomas. The act was a demonstration against what they described as problematic policies and leadership within the school.
Protesters cited a range of grievances, including concerns about academic freedom and the university's handling of recent campus debates. They felt their diplomas no longer represented the values they expected from Columbia University. The diploma destruction was a symbolic act aimed at grabbing the attention of the university's administration and prompting change.
University officials have not yet released a formal statement regarding the protest. However, the event highlights growing tensions between some alumni and the institution's current direction.
Columbia Alumni Rip Diplomas to Protest School Policies
Several Columbia University alumni publicly destroyed their diplomas during the school's annual "Alumni Day" event. The protest targeted the School of International and Public Affairs, with alumni expressing dissatisfaction with the university's policies and leadership. Demonstrators cited concerns about academic freedom and the university's response to recent campus controversies. The diploma ripping was intended to send a strong message to Columbia's administration.
Source: Read the original article at NBC