Scope of Punishment: Nearly 80 students have been expelled, suspended, or had their degrees revoked for participating in pro-Palestinian protests, including the 2024 Gaza encampments and a May 2025 occupation of Butler Library.
University’s Justification: Columbia cited “disruption of academic activities” during final exams and Alumni Weekend as violations of university policy.
Student Response: Activist group CUAD (Columbia University Apartheid Divest) condemned the sanctions as excessive, stating they far exceed precedent for similar protests. They remain committed to advocating for Palestinian liberation.
Federal Pressure: The Trump administration has cut $400 million in federal funding to Columbia, citing failure to protect Jewish students from harassment. Columbia is now negotiating to restore those funds.
Graduation Tensions: Acting President Claire Shipman was booed during the May ceremony for her role in the crackdown.
Legal & Political Ripples: Protest leader Mahmoud Khalil, previously detained by immigration authorities, met with lawmakers in DC. He and others are suing to block Congress from accessing student records
(source Al Jazeera)
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