Columbia University in the News
Columbia University is in the news because its leadership has not presented a coherent approach to student protests. Interestingly, many decades ago, Columbia University—with the standard confidence of an Ivy League institution—published a history of the entire world.
Some sections relating to American history are surprisingly relevant after federal judge Stephanie L. Haines (PA) authorized President Donald Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act. Some background: the Alien Enemies Act was passed in 1798 as part of four United States statutes that sought, on national security grounds, to restrict immigration and limit freedom of speech. Judge Haines ruled the statute allows the president to unilaterally decide the definition of an “invasion” and “predatory incursion,” after which “the court may not delve into whether the Executive Branch possesses sufficient support for its conclusion, or whether the court agrees with the Executive Branch’s determinations.” (quoting Southern District of Texas)
Columbia University’s textbook calls the passage of the Acts “a monumental blunder,” which paved the way for Thomas Jefferson’s presidential election (and James Madison’s elevated place in American history). It remains a stain on President John Adam’s legacy and proves liberal-mindedness does not impede despotic tendencies.
“The spirit of discord” is high today, as it was during America’s inception, and the book’s conclusion laments the dearth of admirable leaders:
“[T]he present failure of authority is a prime symptom [of social unrest]. It tells us that on the all-important question of how to live together, the contemporary world has not a single new idea to offer, not one.”
The more things change, the more they stay the same; at the same time, nations and cultures build and re-build, and only by re-building do they stay relevant. Judge Haines’ academic background is average, at best, but it has not stopped her from gaining a lifetime governmental position. An education that fails to teach a future lawyer or judge due process is the core value protecting an individual is no education at all. For America to re-build, its teachers must do better. Columbia University no longer seems aware of its place in American history. Will the mantle of American academic leadership remain in the Ivy League, and if so, does it still have the influence to make lower institutions listen and learn?
© Matthew Mehdi Rafat (May 2025)