Decline in Columbia University Enrollment from Ramaz High School
- None of the graduates from Ramaz Jewish high school in Manhattan enrolled at Columbia University this year.
- Concerns about antisemitism may have played a role in the enrollment decline.
- This marks the first year in decades without a Ramaz graduate at Columbia.
In a significant shift, none of this year’s graduates from the elite Ramaz high school on the Upper East Side will be attending Columbia University’s College of Arts and Sciences, marking the first time in over two decades that a Ramaz student will not enroll there. The school cited rising antisemitism and hostility toward Jewish students at Columbia as contributing factors to this unprecedented decision. While one student will attend Columbia’s General Studies program and three will enroll at Barnard College, the absence of students at the main college reflects growing concerns among families. Ramaz officials emphasized their commitment to providing information about the college environment, particularly regarding the alarming increase in antisemitic incidents. A representative stated that the school prioritizes these issues to help families make informed choices about their children’s education. This sentiment is echoed by Rory Lancman, a prominent Jewish civil rights activist, who advised against applying to Columbia due to the current climate of hostility towards Jewish students. Columbia University is currently facing turmoil, highlighted by the recent resignation of President Minouche Shafik, who led the institution during a year marked by intense anti-Israel protests. Her departure follows the resignation of three deans after a controversial text exchange that belittled the concerns of Jewish students regarding rising antisemitism. The protests, intensified by the recent conflict in Gaza, have led to violent incidents on campus, raising serious questions about the safety and well-being of Jewish students at the university.