Columbia University student teaching after controversial protest

Johannah King-Slutzky, a doctoral student at Columbia University, is scheduled to teach a required course titled 'Contemporary Western Civilization' this semester. This follows her prominent role in protests earlier this year, where she called for 'humanitarian aid' for anti-Israel demonstrators, which included demands for basic necessities like water. The protests led to significant unrest on campus, including a lockdown and numerous arrests, highlighting tensions surrounding the university's response to student activism. King-Slutzky's protests were centered on the treatment of students involved in a tent encampment, where she argued for the university's obligation to care for its students, regardless of differing opinions. Her statements during the protests drew considerable media attention, as she questioned the university's commitment to student welfare in light of the conditions faced by protesters. The course she will teach is located in Hamilton Hall, a historic building that was a focal point during the protests. Her academic work focuses on the intersection of energy, capitalism, and the Romantic imagination, aiming to explore the implications of industrialization through a Marxian lens. This academic focus reflects a broader interest in how historical narratives shape contemporary understandings of social and economic issues. The decision to have King-Slutzky teach a required course has sparked discussions about the role of activism in academia and the responsibilities of educational institutions to their students. As she embarks on this teaching role, it remains to be seen how her experiences and perspectives will influence her students and the academic environment at Columbia University.