Columbia University has expelled and fired President Grant Miner of Student Workers of Columbia (SWC-UAW 2710) as part of their latest attack on First Amendment rights. Columbia announced Miner’s expulsion less than 24 hours before SWC-UAW 2710’s first bargaining session with Columbia. This all comes in addition to the recent DHS/ICE abduction of Mahmoud Khalil from Columbia University housing. 

As the UAW has emphasized, the assault on First Amendment rights being jointly committed by the federal government and Columbia University are an attack on all workers who dare to protest, speak out, or exercise their freedom of association under the US Constitution. Columbia continues to escalate political repression against students, faculty, and staff who have spoken out against the war in Gaza and advocated for peace. There was no legally admissible evidence presented against Miner or any other students who faced suspension, expulsion, or degree revocation. No legal charges were brought against them. 

Columbia’s actions appear to be an ill-guided attempt to appease the Trump administration in light of recent threats to research funding. No worker should be intimidated by their employer under pressure from the federal government or anyone else. 

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