Get Your ‘Keep Our Community Safe’ Card

Welcome back from Spring Break!

As David Greenberg, executive vice president of Columbia University Facilities and Operations, and Brian McPherson, deputy vice president of Columbia University Public Safety, wrote in an email to the Columbia community on March 6, 2026, a number of important steps have been undertaken to “enhance safety and clarify protocols and procedures regarding interactions with law enforcement.” These efforts were in response to the “deeply troubling and unsettling” detainment of a Columbia student by the Department of Homeland Security.

Additional signage on University protocols has been posted in elevators or common areas of all Columbia Residential apartment buildings. Greenberg and McPherson are pleased to also announce that palm cards containing the University’s protocols and “know your rights” guidelines are now available for all students, faculty, and staff. 

These cards were provided to schools and are available at the International Students and Scholars Office, the Office of University Life, residential buildings, and the front desks at Lerner and libraries, as well as Public Safety Operations Centers at Morningside, Manhattanville, and Medical Center campuses. 

Pick up a card and familiarize yourself with this flyer; and together, let’s keep our community safe.