Top academics in the Middle Eastern, South Asian and African Studies Department at Columbia University, including Professors Timothy Mitchell and Gil Hochberg, the department’s chair, say the school is committed to the program’s autonomy.

College administrators throughout the country are closely watching whether Columbia responds to the White House with deference or defiance.

Clockwise from top left, Adrien Brody, Ariana Grande, Timothée Chalamet and Zoe Saldaña are on track for nominations. But there are few shoo-ins this year.