By Zubeida Jaffer
Columbia University’s School of Journalism in New York has made a bold and urgent call to action for all who value the core principles of free speech and a free press. In an unprecedented statement, the school’s entire faculty has urged people across the political spectrum to stand firm against the growing intimidation, harassment, and detention of individuals targeted for their speech or journalism.
The statement points to several alarming actions taken by the Trump administration. For example, the administration barred journalists from the Associated Press (AP) from attending press briefings because the AP refused to refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” as required by the president’s directive.
These actions have created a chilling effect on journalists and media outlets. The statement highlights that many international students at Columbia have expressed concerns about attending classes and events following the detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a recent graduate of the School of Public and International Affairs, without charge. The faculty underscores that these students’ fears are valid and reflects a broader trend: some faculty members and students who have covered sensitive topics like the Gaza conflict have been targeted by smear campaigns on the same platforms that led to Khalil’s detention.
Freedom of the press, an essential pillar of American democracy, is under serious threat in the USA, according to the faculty. Their statement emphasizes that the political environment is increasingly hostile toward independent journalism. As the current administration works to suppress dissenting voices, the fear of repercussions is forcing many individuals to self-censor.
One million international students in the U.S. may now feel hesitant to express their views, worrying about potential consequences. “Punishing even one person for their speech sends a clear message to others: self-censorship is the safest route” they said. Such actions not only threaten the rights of these students but also the very foundation of a pluralistic democracy.
The university’s faculty argues that these actions mirror a broader authoritarian strategy. The use of deportation to silence foreign critics echoes attempts to manipulate libel laws in order to intimidate or silence the press. The message is clear: when those in power attack freedom of expression, it undermines the democratic values that the country was built upon.
In response to these concerns, Jelani Cobb, Dean of the School reached out to 15,000 journalism alumni worldwide, reminding them that the strength of any institution is defined by its commitment to the values on which it was founded. “We are a community united by curiosity, and we recognize that the pursuit of knowledge is vital—not just for our personal growth, but for the betterment of our communities, cities, countries, and the world,” Cobb stated.
The university is also facing pressure from the federal government. Cobb explained that Columbia University has reported that the administration suspended $400 million in federal grants, exacerbating an already tense atmosphere on campus. While the university has yet to clarify how this suspension will affect operations, a forthcoming guidance document will provide further details on the impact to the campus community.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, former Columbia Law professor Katherine Franke addressed the issue in a recorded video. She discussed a recent letter from the Trump administration, which she described as a “ransom note” demanding compliance with a series of authoritarian measures. These include:
- Resolving all disciplinary cases at the university on terms set by the government, including expulsion or suspension.
- Abolishing the university’s judicial board and transferring all cases to the office of the university president.
- Implementing a campus mask ban.
- Adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which conflates criticism of Israel with antisemitism.
- Placing the Middle East Studies Department (MESA) under government control.
- Granting the campus public safety department the power to arrest and remove students.
Franke highlighted the troubling goal behind these actions: “It’s not simply about withholding funding,” she said. “It’s about forcing universities into a weaker position, compelling them to accept demands that undermine fundamental values.”
Reports suggest that Columbia University has already capitulated to these demands, raising further concerns about the erosion of intellectual freedom and the autonomy of academic institutions.
A Global Perspective: Press Freedom Beyond the U.S.
As we witness these grave threats to intellectual freedom in the U.S., it is troubling that some sections of the South African media and politicians have failed to grasp the full significance of these developments. Their knee-jerk reaction to the Trump administrations attack on our country’s ambassador Ebrahim Rasool for something he said demonstrated a poor understanding of what was unfolding in the USA.
The response from the Democratic Alliance (DA)’s Helen Zille who was a former journalist and one of my colleagues years ago, has been similarly disappointing, to say the least.
Choosing to support the Trump administration at this critical moment shows a disregard for a principle that I would have assumed she holds dearly. Press freedom and free speech is not a matter of partisanship but a fundamental principle that must be defended regardless of political affiliation.
A Call to Action
The decision now facing politicians, journalists, and citizens worldwide is clear: do they stand in support of efforts to suppress free speech and the press, or do they support every initiative that seeks to protect these essential freedoms? The School of Journalism’s statement is a bold and vital reminder that the defence of press freedom is crucial for the survival of democracy.
As someone who lived through the dark days of authoritarianism in South Africa, I am reminded of the importance of international solidarity. Forty-five years ago, when I was arrested in South Africa, 54 U.S. Congressmen ( see report below) signed a petition calling for my release, a powerful statement of support at a difficult time. Today, it is up to all of us—whether in the U.S., South Africa, or anywhere else—to stand firm in the defence of press freedom and free speech, which today face unrelenting pressure in the USA, a country always proudly committed to this principle.
Zubeida Jaffer serves on the Alumni board of the Columbia School of Journalism.
Here follows a personal note from her:
I was a journalist at the Cape Times and 22 years old when I was arrested in August, 1980. My colleague, John Matisonn, based in Washington for the SAAN group of papers (the country’s morning papers of which the Cape Times was a part) brought my situation to the attention of Congressman Thomas Downey and Congressman Andrew Maguire. They in turn obtained the 54 signatures.
John Matisonn’s news report from Washington in 1980 reads as follows:
US call for release of Jaffer
From John Matisonn
WASHINGTON. – Fifty-four American congressmen have sent a letter to the South African Ambassador in Washington Mr Donald Sole, expressing concern for the safety of Miss Zubeida Jaffer, the Cape Times journalist detained in Cape Town and calling for her immediate release.
The strongly worded letter was drafted by Congressman Thomas Downey and Congressman Andrew Maguire, who obtained the 54 signatures on the last day of the pre-election session and sent it to the South African Embassy late on Thursday.
Comparing her detention under the “infamous” Section Six of the Terrorism Act to the holding of Steve Biko under the same act when he died, the congressmen say they are deeply concerned for her safety, “and indeed for her very life”.
“The universal principles of freedom of the press must be recognized and upheld worldwide. This includes South Africa,” the letter says.
“Section Six denies all recognized principles of due process, guarantees the accused no legal rights whatsoever, and all too often has served as an occasion for the government to torture detainees and hold them without charge for months and years.”
The letter adds that prior to her arrest on August 27, Miss Jaffer had written a series of articles on the Cape Flats unrest, including interviews with families of the victims.
“It appears that her arrest was prompted by those articles, and represents another attempt by your government to intimidate, silence and harass black journalists.
“As in the case of Steve Biko and so many others, Miss Jaffer’s arrest represents another example of South Africa’s blatant disregard for human rights.
“Joining with many concerned persons inside and outside South Africa, we are deeply concerned about her safety, indeed her very life, and call for the immediate release of Miss Jaffer.”
Congressman Downey is the main co-coordinator of a group of congressmen and senators who have formed the ad hoc monitoring group on Southern Africa.
