We stand with WKCR for its unwavering commitment to college radio journalism in the face of adversity. WKCR’s coverage of the pro-Palestinian campus encampment and the University’s escalating police presence is a testament to the resilience of a free press.

We are deeply alarmed by the unprecedented attempt by Columbia University Public Safety on April 19 to halt the live broadcast of WKCR, Columbia’s FM station, during a building evacuation. The chilling effect of this operation directly targeted the freedom of the press and was felt by college radio stations everywhere.

Friday served as a reminder that when institutions like Columbia employ indiscriminate force against student activists, even a “misunderstanding” can significantly impede the public’s access to information.

Signed

Shruti Gautam, President

Ashwin Sivakumar, General Manager

Molly Egan, Director of Events

Bea Wall-Feng, Rock Director

Claire Liu, Artist Relations Director

Nena King, Sports Director

Raghav Chopra, Jazz Director

Sharmila Dey, Studio Engineering Director

Sofia White, General Comp Director

Yael Goldstein, Classical Music Director

This statement solely reflects the views of its individual signatories.