Last week, we witnessed yet another case of student activists interrupting a class or event. This type of action has become all too familiar on our campuses as students and faculty shout down speakers or cancel events. However, this time, something different happened: Columbia actually suspended a student for the protest. It has also identified two other students associated with Barnard, Union Theological Seminary, and Teachers College. Those referrals will raise a novel question for their respective schools.

In connection with Tuesday’s disruption of a History of Modern Israel class, Columbia University has identified and suspended a Columbia participant, pending a full investigation and disciplinary process. The investigation of the disruption, including the identification of additional participants, remains active. Disruptions to our classrooms and our academic mission and efforts to intimidate or harass our students are not acceptable, are an affront to every member of our University community, and will not be tolerated.