Columbia University

Mahmoud Khalil sues Columbia University for alleged failure to protect pro-Palestinian students

Khalil became a face of the Trump administration crackdown on students' pro-Palestinian protests after US immigration agents arrested him in March 2025 in the lobby of his university residence.

Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and pro-Palestinian activist, stands with others announcing a federal lawsuit to be filed against Columbia University for showing "deliberate indifference" to the harassment of pro-Palestinian students, New York City, US, September 14, 2026.
 Jennifer Mnookin attends UCLA Black Law: 50th Anniversary Solidarity Gala at The Beverly Hills Hotel on April 04, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California.

No. 49: Prof. Jennifer Mnookin: Columbia’s first Jewish pres., arriving at its most turbulent hour

Frontline Advocates

From Israel to New York: Fighting for truth on the front line - opinion

MOHSEN MAHDAWI, US Rep. Becca Balint's (D–VT) guest speaks during the "People's State of the Union" event during US President Trump's State of the Union address in Washington, DC, US, February 24, 2026.

Report outlines alleged extremist ties, chronological contradictions for pro-Palestinian activist


Mamdani's progressive vision for New York shaped by childhood in Uganda, mentors say

The son of a Ugandan academic of Indian origins and an Indian-American filmmaker, Mamdani was born and spent several years as a child in Uganda's capital Kampala.

New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani holds a press conference at the Unisphere in the Queens borough of New York City, US, November 5, 2025.

Former Columbia professor claims campus antisemitism focus fosters ‘Jewish victimization’

Professor Marianne Hirsch also argued the Holocaust must be taught alongside Gaza and the "Nakba," warning against “exceptionalism” in Holocaust memory.

Columbia University professor emerita Marianne Hirsch.

With ceasefire in place, activists shift to long term objective, Israel's destruction - analysis

Following the Gaza ceasefire, anti-Israel activists ramp up calls to dismantle Zionism, demanding arms embargoes, Palestinian sovereignty, and the right of return.

Protesters wave flags as students take part in an inter-university march in support of Palestinians, on the second anniversary of the deadly October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas from Gaza, at King's College London campus, Britain, October 7, 2025.

Trump gov't ensures 'accountability' for campus antisemitism - DOJ civil rights chief Dhillon

"For the first time you are actually finally starting to see accountability for the bad behavior of a lot of people,” Dhillon said.

US Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet K. Dhillon (left), in conversation with IAC Board Member and Chairman Emeritus Shawn Evenhaim, at the Israeli-American Council (IAC) ‘United Against Hate’ gala in Los Angeles Sunday.

Immigration judge orders Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil deported to Algeria or Syria

Louisiana immigration Judge Jamee Comans orders Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil’s deportation to Algeria or Syria, citing activism ties. His legal team appeals the decision in a civil rights case.

 Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil stands next to U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), a day after he was released from immigration custody, at Newark airport in Newark, New Jersey, U.S., June 21, 2025.

Columbia hires prof. who supported Palestinian 'indigenous resistance' to lead cultural programs

Kahn is meant to “build and lead initiatives that cultivate curiosity, civic purpose, and meaningful dialogue - facilitating student engagement with faculty outside the classroom.”

 Columbia student demonstrators show support as others chain themselves to the gates of St. Paul’s Chapel at Columbia University to denounce the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil in New York City, US, April 2, 2025.

Despite CUAD's activity in Columbia, students want to go back to being students - opinion

Columbia students overall want to get back to what we do best: being students. That is a good and healthy sign. 

A 'disorientation guide' handed out by CUAD at Columbia University

'In the shadow of swords:' Columbia returns to class after turmoil of antisemitism, Trump deal

Columbia entered the semester with new campus rules and federal settlement payments as activists promised continued protests and Jewish students reported intimidation.

Protestors rally in front of Columbia University for Al Jazeera reporters Anas Al Sharif, Mohammed Qreiqeh, Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal, freelance cameraman Momen Aliwa and freelance journalist Mohammed al-Khalidi, who were killed in Gaza City by an Israeli strike, in New York City, U.S., August

Columbia University students return under shadow of Trump antisemitism deal

Some within Columbia are concerned that a new antisemitism definition adopted by the university, which recognizes some criticism of Israel as discriminatory toward Jews, would chill academic freedom.

Thanassis Cambanis, holding microphone and fellow protesters rally near Columbia University's main campus gates in New York, Sept. 2, 2025, to lace into the school's new agreement with the Trump administration, as well as the decision to keep some doors closed for the start of the school year.

Trump administration revoked more than 6,000 student visas, State Dept says

Around 4,000 visas were canceled because the visitors broke the law, with the vast majority being assault, State Department officials said.

PROTESTERS CALL for the release of Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil in New York City, last month. On campuses like Columbia and in all levels of education, better Holocaust education is needed, says the writer.