Dear Members of the TC Community,  

It is a somber weekend as we continue to grieve the tragic loss of Columbia Engineering Ph.D. student Davide Giri. Unfortunately, this evening we received more disturbing news. As you may know, the terrible attack on Davide was immediately followed by an assault on a second victim, Roberto Malaspina. We have learned that he is also a member of the Columbia community. Roberto had just arrived in New York City from his home in Italy to conduct independent research as a Visiting Scholar at the School of the Arts. Thankfully, Roberto is in stable condition and our Columbia colleagues are ready to provide whatever support is needed so that he can pursue his work once he recovers. 

I want to share that the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, located on Amsterdam Avenue at 112th St, is holding a service of Night Prayer (Compline) tomorrow evening, December 5, at 7:00 pm. All are welcome to join this 30-minute service of solidarity and reflection.

The safety of every member of our community remains our highest priority. To this end, I want to reiterate and share enhanced public safety measures being implemented at this time. As previously communicated, the TC and Columbia Offices of Public Safety are increasing exterior campus patrols, and the NYPD will also perform extra patrols specifically in Morningside Park and its perimeter between 7 pm and 3:30 am. Uniformed NYPD officers will continue to conduct directed patrols within Morningside Park throughout the day and NYPD has temporarily assigned officers in vehicles to patrol inside Morningside Park 24 hours a day.  

All members of the TC community may also access an on-demand evening shuttle as an alternative to walking alone. This evening shuttle provides transportation on request through the VIA app, including corner-to-corner and door-to-door service, depending on the hour. The service start time varies based on the time of year, but it runs until 3:00 am each night. The coverage area is from West 103rd Street to West 135th Street. Anyone can access this service by downloading the VIA app through Columbia’s transportation page.

Once again, I encourage you to utilize these safety services, as well as the counseling and other support services listed in earlier emails.

Sincerely,

Thomas Bailey
President, Teachers College