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Provost Angela Olinto informed Columbia faculty in an email on Monday morning that all scheduled classes and exams must continue in person, despite concerns raised by students regarding the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers around campus. The email, which was obtained by the Columbia Daily Spectator, acknowledged the stress that the situation has caused for faculty, staff, and students, urging “generosity and mutual patience” as the university community navigates these challenges together. Olinto also noted that while faculty are required to hold classes in person per university guidelines, students may reach out individually to request accommodations if they are unable to attend.

The provost’s statement comes in response to growing concerns among students and faculty regarding the presence of immigration enforcement officers in and around Columbia’s Morningside campus. The Columbia Palestine Solidarity Coalition (CPSC) took to Instagram on Monday to share that many students have requested that their professors either move their classes online or cancel them entirely due to what they described as “safety risks” posed by the ICE officers’ presence. A widely circulated email template among students encouraged faculty to take immediate action by modifying class formats. The template cited reports of immigration agents stopping students and other pedestrians on campus, asserting that their presence has created an atmosphere of fear and distress, particularly for students at risk of being targeted.

In her email to faculty, Olinto did not address the specific claims about ICE enforcement actions near campus but reaffirmed that faculty members are expected to continue with in-person instruction. However, she emphasized that students who feel unsafe should communicate with their professors to seek accommodations, adding that the university hopes faculty will be “as helpful as possible” in handling such requests.

The situation has escalated following the recent arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student in Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA). Khalil, who was a lead negotiator during the April 2024 Gaza Solidarity Encampment protests, was detained by ICE last week. His arrest has prompted widespread outrage and calls for the university to publicly condemn his detention. The Columbia Palestine Solidarity Coalition criticized the administration’s silence, writing in their Instagram post that the university has yet to acknowledge Khalil’s arrest or support calls for his release.

According to the organization, a petition demanding Khalil’s release, which was initially signed by nearly one million people, has now surpassed two million signatures as of Monday evening. The petition, hosted by the Action Network, urges ICE to free Khalil immediately and criticizes what it describes as his arbitrary detention.

Public records from ICE’s Online Detainee Locator System indicate that Khalil is currently being held at the Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center in Jena, Louisiana. Louisiana has the highest number of detained migrants in the country and houses nine detention facilities. A 2024 report from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) described systemic human rights violations across Louisiana’s detention centers, citing cases of language barriers, denial of essential human needs, medical neglect, and discriminatory treatment against detainees.

The Columbia Palestine Solidarity Coalition expressed concern that the university’s refusal to take a stance on Khalil’s detention could be interpreted as tacit approval of anti-Palestinian racism. “Columbia’s silence is endangering Mahmoud,” the group stated in their Instagram post. “If they do not publicly denounce his arbitrary detention and demand his immediate release, their silence will be taken as further endorsement of anti-Palestinian racism.”

Despite the mounting pressure, Olinto’s email reinforced that any official changes to class modalities, including potential shifts to remote learning, would be announced directly by the provost’s office rather than by individual faculty members. While some professors may be willing to make informal accommodations for students who feel unsafe attending in-person classes, the university has not signaled any plans to alter its current policies.

The debate over in-person instruction amid ICE’s presence reflects broader tensions on campus related to issues of immigration enforcement, student activism, and the university’s response to politically charged events. Columbia has faced increasing scrutiny over its handling of student protests and its relationship with law enforcement, particularly following last year’s Gaza Solidarity Encampment demonstrations. Khalil’s arrest has only intensified these concerns, drawing national and international attention.

For many students, faculty, and activists, the stakes extend beyond classroom policies. The fear of immigration enforcement actions near campus has raised urgent questions about the university’s responsibility to protect its students, particularly those from vulnerable communities. The call for Columbia to take a definitive stand on Khalil’s detention continues to grow, with student organizations, advocacy groups, and members of the broader public demanding action.

As tensions persist, students and faculty remain uncertain about the path forward. While some professors may choose to accommodate students who feel unsafe, the administration’s decision to mandate in-person attendance signals a firm stance on maintaining standard academic operations despite the heightened concerns. Meanwhile, Khalil’s case remains unresolved, with activists continuing to push for his release and the university community grappling with the broader implications of his detention.

Columbia faculty and students will continue to monitor the situation as they await further updates from the university administration, ICE, and advocacy groups involved in the push for Khalil’s freedom.

Reading Time: 3 minutesMark Carney, a seasoned financial expert with a distinguished banking career, is set to take over as leader of Canada’s ruling Liberal Party from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He takes over as the country’s top politician at a crucial time, as tensions with the United States, Canada’s largest trading partner, are growing and the economy is uncertain. Following Trudeau’s announcement in January that he would be stepping down, Carney, 59, was officially elected as the leader of the Liberal Party on Sunday. His appointment as prime minister is anticipated to take place in the coming days, and unless an earlier election is called, a federal election must be held by October.

Carney’s extensive background in economics and international finance has prepared him for the challenges that lie ahead, despite the fact that he has never held elected office before. The recent imposition of 25 percent tariffs by the United States is one of his most pressing issues. Despite being announced on March 4, President Donald Trump will take office on April 2. Given the close economic ties that exist between Canada and the United States, the move has sparked concern among officials and business leaders in the country.

Tensions have increased and Canada’s determination to safeguard its economic interests has been strengthened by Trump’s controversial remarks about making Canada the 51st state of the United States and the tariffs. Carney directly addressed these difficulties in his Sunday victory speech, emphasizing the significance of Canada’s determination to maintain its economic policies and trade relations. I am aware that these are trying times. Dark times brought on by a nation we can’t trust anymore,” he said, highlighting the strained relationship with the United States under Trump’s leadership. Because Carney has worked in finance for decades, he is uniquely qualified to steer these turbulent times.

He was born in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, and went to Harvard University, where he played ice hockey. After that, he worked at Goldman Sachs for 13 years. He gained extensive experience in global markets while working for the company in London, Tokyo, New York, and Toronto. As deputy governor of the Bank of Canada in 2003, he entered public service and was appointed governor in 2008, just as the global financial crisis began. The fact that Canada was able to weather the economic downturn more successfully than many other nations was widely attributed to his leadership. His expertise in monetary policy and crisis management led to his appointment as the first non-British governor of the Bank of England in 2013, where he played a crucial role in stabilizing the UK’s economy during the Brexit transition.

Carney has been deeply involved in international finance and climate policy in addition to his work in central banking. In 2019, he was the special envoy for climate action and finance at the United Nations. In 2021, he started the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero to get money for climate-related projects. He was also in charge of major financial institutions like Bloomberg’s board and Brookfield Asset Management. However, after announcing his candidacy earlier this year for the leadership of the Liberal Party, he quit all of his commercial and international positions to concentrate solely on his political career.

It is anticipated that Carney’s approach to the ongoing trade dispute with the United States will be influenced by his expertise in economics and background in global finance. He spoke bluntly about Trump’s threats regarding tariffs in his victory speech. He stated, “My government will keep our tariffs on until the Americans show us respect, and until they can join us in making credible and reliable commitments to free and fair trade,” promising to respond decisively with tariffs. Canada’s approach to dealing with the United States may change as a result of his strong stance on trade policy, particularly if Trump is re-elected.

Carney appears prepared to take a more assertive stand in defense of Canada’s economic interests, whereas previous Canadian leaders have prioritized diplomatic negotiations in trade disputes. His comments suggest that he sees Trump as a direct threat to Canadian sovereignty and economic stability as well as a rival in trade policy. Carney stated, “Trump, as we know, has put unjustified tariffs on what we build, what we sell, and how we make a living, as the prime minister just said.” “We cannot allow him to succeed, and we will not,” the statement reads.

“He’s attacking Canadian families, workers, and businesses.” As Carney prepares to take office, his leadership will be closely watched both in Canada and internationally. The ability of his economic expertise to translate into effective governance will be put to the test as he transitions from a career in finance to leading a nation. Carney’s success as prime minister and the trajectory of Canada in the coming years will depend on his ability to navigate the challenges presented by Canada’s economic and political future at a crossroads.

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International Women’s Day, celebrated every year on March 8, is a special occasion to honor and recognize the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women across the world. It is not just a day for appreciation but also a reminder of the ongoing journey toward gender equality. Women have played a crucial role in shaping societies, driving change, and breaking barriers in every field, from leadership and innovation to activism and creativity.

The significance of Women’s Day goes beyond celebrations and well wishes. It is a time to acknowledge the struggles women have faced and continue to face in various aspects of life. Despite progress, challenges like gender pay gaps, limited representation in leadership roles, and societal biases still exist. According to the World Economic Forum, at the current rate of progress, true gender equality may not be achieved until 2158. This staggering statistic underscores the importance of accelerating efforts to create a fairer world for all.

The theme for International Women’s Day 2025, “Accelerate Action,” calls for urgent and collective efforts to speed up progress toward gender equality. It emphasizes the need for governments, businesses, and individuals to take meaningful steps in closing gaps and ensuring that women everywhere have equal opportunities. From education and employment to healthcare and political participation, real change can only happen when everyone commits to making a difference.

Women’s Day is also an opportunity to appreciate the special women in our lives—our mothers, wives, sisters, friends, colleagues, and mentors—who inspire us in countless ways. A simple gesture, whether through kind words, small gifts, or heartfelt messages, can make a significant impact. It is a moment to reflect on the strength and resilience of the women who support, nurture, and uplift those around them.

To help spread positivity and appreciation, here are some meaningful wishes and quotes to share on this special day:

1. “Wishing you a day filled with love, laughter, and recognition for all the amazing things you do. Happy Women’s Day!”

2. “May you continue to shine brightly, break barriers, and inspire others. Wishing you a wonderful Women’s Day!”

3. “Here’s to your strength, kindness, and determination. You make the world a better place. Happy Women’s Day!”

4. “You are powerful, fearless, and unstoppable. Keep reaching for your dreams. Happy Women’s Day!”

5. “Behind every great achievement is a woman who refused to give up. Keep shining and inspiring. Happy Women’s Day!”

In addition to sending wishes, sharing beautiful images, status updates, and greeting cards can make the celebration even more special. Whether it’s a heartfelt note to a loved one or a social media post recognizing the achievements of women worldwide, every small effort contributes to the spirit of the day.

International Women’s Day is also a time to reflect on the importance of supporting women beyond just one day of the year. Empowering women means advocating for equal opportunities, challenging stereotypes, and ensuring that every woman has the chance to succeed. It is about creating an inclusive world where gender does not define one’s potential or opportunities.

As the world continues to evolve, so must our efforts toward gender equality. Celebrating Women’s Day is not just about recognizing women’s contributions but also about taking meaningful action to ensure that every woman, regardless of background or circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive. Let this day serve as a reminder that change is possible, and together, we can work toward a future where equality is not just an ideal but a reality.