Columbia University: A History of Controversies

Columbia's Controversial President

Published April 22, 2024 | Updated April 30, 2024 7:31 AM

Columbia Faces Backlash After President's Promise to Congress

Columbia University is facing criticism following its president's promise to Congress that the university would no longer participate in U.S. News & World Report's college rankings. The decision has sparked outrage among faculty, staff, and students, who argue that it will harm the university's reputation and make it more difficult for students to compare their options.

Columbia's president, Lee Bollinger, announced the decision in a letter to Congress on April 21, 2024. In the letter, Bollinger criticized U.S. News & World Report's rankings system, arguing that it is based on "flawed" data and that it encourages universities to focus on "gaming the system" rather than providing a quality education.

Bollinger's decision has been met with strong opposition from the university community. A group of faculty members has written an open letter to Bollinger, calling on him to reconsider his decision. The letter argues that the rankings provide valuable information to students and parents, and that withdrawing from them will hurt the university's reputation.

Students have also expressed their opposition to Bollinger's decision. A group of students has organized a protest rally for April 24, 2024. The rally is expected to draw hundreds of students.

Bollinger's decision has also raised concerns among alumni. A group of alumni has written a letter to the university's board of trustees, urging them to overrule Bollinger's decision. The letter argues that the rankings are an important tool for alumni when making decisions about where to donate their money.

The controversy over Columbia's decision is likely to continue in the coming weeks and months. It remains to be seen whether Bollinger will reconsider his decision or whether the university community will be able to force him to change his mind.