On April 1, Columbia University Ceremonies announced that this year’s Bacchanal, the traditional spring student-led concert, will be held at the Robert K. Kraft Field at Baker Athletics Complex. This announcement follows a highly publicized reversal of Ceremonies’ decision to host commencement at the Baker Complex this past February. After heavy student backlash and student council intervention, administration made the uncharacteristic decision to acquiesce to student demands. However, it appears that administrators have returned with a vengeance with the following announcement released late in the witching hours:
“Dear Members of the Columbia University Community,
We are writing to let you know that after careful deliberation and consultation within our administration, the result of a productive dialogue is the decision to move Bacchanal 2026 to the Baker Athletic Complex.
We are too aware of the disappointment this may cause among students. However, given the unique considerations characteristic of an on-campus concert, the decision to move is final, and not subject to appeal by the student body.
Our rationale is as follows:
- Given the 20% increase in student enrollment, there is a real and present danger posed by increased body density in the Morningside campus space. Typical activities at Bacchanal involve “moshing,” doing “the worm” poorly, and “throwing it back for the huzz,” all of which could cause serious harm in an overcrowded environment.
- The abysmal record of the Columbia Lions Football Team necessitates the creation of an alternative use case for the Robert K. Kraft Field, to justify our continued investment in its upkeep (as there is clearly no point maintaining it for the team).
- Bacchanal-related noise causes a significant sound disturbance in Morningside Heights, inconveniencing the early bedtimes of the majority of our tenured faculty.
Once again, we apologize for any inconvenience to the student body. But we’re being for real about the location. No take-backsies like last time.
No regards,
President Claire Shipman”
When The Colombia Spectador asked President Shipman for a comment on the decision to move Bacchanal and the subsequent backlash, she responded, “I don’t give a fuck about you whiny bitches. Bacchanal at Baker. Hate me all you want, I’m out this hoe in two months.”
Hundreds of students, from all grades and class sizes, are mobilizing to send emails to the Board of Trustees, Acting President Claire Shipman, and everyone else in power, demanding Bacchanal be returned to the Morningside Heights. However, analysis from The Colombia Spectador suggests that Bacchanal may never grace Low Library again.
