Columbia University’s “College Walk” -- on West 116th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue -- became part of the University’s campus in 1953 with the understanding that "College Walk" would remain available to pedestrians.

Massive iron gates, put up in 1967, were designed as an ornamental decoration which would not be used to restrict access. But the gated closed on Oct. 12, 2023, when the University restricted campus access to Columbia ID holders ahead of planned demonstrations over the war in Gaza. And have remained closed until now – May 2026.

We talked with leaders of Morningside Heights community who want Columbia's gates unlocked.

This four-part program includes:

1. Dave Robinson -- President of the Morningside Heights Community Coalition -- talks about the goals of the MHCC and why his neighbors want Columbia University Campus opened. 00:00:00
2. Skyler Gluck -- former senior reporter of the Columbia Spectator -- summarizes the history of the creation of "College Walk" and its closing three years ago and his reporting why it remains closed. Mohsen Mahdawi -- Palestinian activist and Columbia student targeted by Trump for deportation. 00:08:41
3. Skyler Gluck, Michael Thaddeus -- faculty in Columbia Mathematics Department -- and Cody Stuart Madsen -- VP of Operations for Book Culture -- describe the impact of the closing of the Columbia campus on the student body, faculty, business and those who live and work in Morningside Heights. 00:24:32
4. Toby Golick -- Professor Emeritus of the Cardozo Law School -- covers the legal case to open the campus. And Ian Boldiston -- the Communications Director for City Councilperson Shaun Abreu who represents Morningside Heights -- explains NY City's position on the closing of the Columbia campus. 00:50:42

Contact: Alan Winson -- [email protected]

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