Columbia Lecturer Starts ‘Resistance Summer School’ After Her Race Course Gets Canceled.

Karen Attiah launches ‘Resistance Summer School’ after university cuts diverse courses.

Karen Attiah, a former Columbia University lecturer, is independently launching her course, “Race, Media & International Affairs,” after the university canceled it.

In a post on her Substack, “The Golden Hour,” Attiah explained that the cancellation was due to Columbia’s administration giving in to external pressures, particularly by placing departments like Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies under special provost oversight.

Attiah, author of “Say Your Word, Then Leave,” voiced her frustration, saying, “This is not the time for media literacy or historical knowledge to be silenced by institutions surrendering to authoritarianism and fear.”

In response to the cancellation, Attiah decided to offer the course independently. The “Resistance Summer School” is a hybrid online program open to the public, providing a space for discussions on race, journalism, and international affairs.

The initiative has gained significant traction, with over 1,200 sign-ups within days of the announcement.

Attiah’s move to go independent highlights a growing trend of educators finding alternative ways to share knowledge amid institutional constraints.

She stated, “In times of crisis and repression, we don’t need elite approval to share knowledge, build community, and support those in need.”

Columbia University has not issued a public statement regarding the specifics of the course’s cancellation. However, the incident highlights ongoing debates about academic freedom and the role of universities in promoting critical discussions on race and media.

Attiah’s course is set to begin this summer, with enrollment details available on her Substack platform. She remains a strong advocate for open dialogue and education, emphasizing their importance in challenging times.