We are raising funds for a Black student and single parent, enrolled at the Columbia School of Social Work, who is experiencing financial hardship, housing insecurity, and institutional harm.

As a full-time student and mother of a 7-year-old, she brought her child to class during a childcare gap. Instead of receiving care or support, she was pulled from class by staff, told she could be removed from the program, and warned that someone might call ACS. No prior communication, resources, or clear policy was provided. This response caused fear and harm, and contradicts the university’s stated commitments to anti-oppressive and trauma-informed practice.

Due to the university’s failure to provide meaningful support, she now owes over $25,000, including charges for a flood she did not cause in student housing, late fees, and back rent. Columbia has not offered her any financial assistance or connected her to resources. She has been unable to enroll in summer classes because of this debt, and is now at risk of being unenrolled from the university entirely and losing her housing.

This fund will help:

 • Pay down her university balance so she can remain enrolled

 • Support a move into stable housing

 • Cover basic needs for her and her child

We are asking for more than the owed amount to provide her with a cushion of support as she prepares to move and plan for future tuition costs.

This student and her son are important members of our school community. We would be devastated to lose them.

This is about care, accountability, and collective support. Please give what you can and share widely. Every contribution makes a difference.