Columbia University will require students in Literature Humanities and Contemporary Civilization to put away laptops, phones and other devices during class for the 2026–27 academic year to protect seminar discussion and limit distraction amid rising use of generative AI. The ban applies to all sections of those Core courses but allows instructor exceptions for clear instructional purposes and maintains disability accommodations. A faculty working group on AI recommended the change after consulting the campus community, and faculty retain flexibility to use technology when pedagogically necessary.
Columbia Will Ban Laptops, Phones and AI Tools in Two Core Courses for 2026–27
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Columbia University has announced that students enrolled in its Literature Humanities (Lit Hum) and Contemporary Civilization Core courses will be required to stow laptops, phones and other electronic devices during class time for the 2026–27 academic year. The temporary restriction is intended to protect face‑to‑face seminar discussion, reduce distraction, and address rising concerns about generative artificial intelligence on campus.
The Columbia Daily Spectator reported the policy change, which a university spokesperson confirmed is limited to the coming academic year. Instructors may grant exceptions when specific instructional uses of technology are necessary, and Columbia College will continue to provide accommodations for students registered with the disability services office.
Among the Core’s first‑ and second‑year offerings, Lit Hum and Contemporary Civilization are the first to receive a blanket electronics prohibition; Music Humanities adopted a similar restriction in 2025. A faculty working group on AI in the Core recommended the change after consulting students and faculty and reviewing survey results, according to faculty interviewed by the Spectator.
Why Faculty Back the Rule
Many instructors told the Spectator they support removing screens because it encourages fuller participation and deeper discussion in seminars. In a review of syllabuses, the outlet found that 11 sections already explicitly barred devices and 10 referenced coursewide rules, suggesting the policy formalizes existing practices in some sections.
“The Core remains a safe haven.” Clémence Boulouque, an associate professor of Jewish and Israel studies and a Lit Hum instructor, said the policy helps preserve in‑person human connection.
At the same time, faculty emphasized that an AI‑resistant approach is not identical to a device‑free classroom. Nicole Wallack, director of the undergraduate writing program, urged caution in conflating policies aimed at limiting AI misuse with blanket bans on devices. Professors also noted that some courses—especially in the sciences or Art Humanities—may need technology for instruction, such as zooming in on artwork or collaborative PDF annotation.
The university spokesperson and faculty members stressed that the working group did not intend heavy‑handed enforcement. Instructors retain flexibility to allow technology when it clearly serves pedagogical goals, and faculty committees overseeing the Core will review the working group’s full recommendations before any longer‑term changes are adopted.
Broader Context
The Columbia decision comes amid a nationwide debate over the role of phones, laptops and generative AI in classrooms. Schools and universities are experimenting with a range of responses—from device restrictions and revised assignment policies to programs aimed at reducing screen dependence. Some institutions and researchers have raised concerns that in‑class computers can impair learning, while students and instructors continue to test new norms around academic integrity and technology use.
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