Columbia University expels, revokes pro-Palestinian protesters’ degrees

• Columbia University said it has expelled, suspended and revoked the temporary degrees of students involved in the April 2024 occupation of Hamilton Hall during pro-Palestinian protests. The announcement comes less than a week after ICE detained a prominent figure in Columbia’s pro-Palestinian protests.
• Columbia’s judicial board issued the punishments, emphasizing its commitment to enforcing university policies.
• This action follows the Trump administration’s revocation of $400 million in federal funding, alleging the university’s inaction against antisemitism.

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Columbia University officials confirmed that the institution expelled, suspended and revoked temporary degrees of students who participated in the occupation of Hamilton Hall during pro-Palestinian protests in April 2024. At the time, the New York City Police Department arrested nearly 100 individuals after protesters barricaded themselves inside the campus building.

Columbia issues a statement on the punishments

Columbia’s University Judicial Board determined the punishments and issued a statement. It reads, “The return of suspended students will be overseen by Columbia’s University Life Office. Columbia is committed to enforcing the university’s rules and policies and improving our disciplinary processes.”

The exact number of students facing repercussions is unclear.

The university handed down the punishments less than a week after the Trump administration revoked $400 million in federal funding to Columbia. The administration alleges that the institution has failed to address antisemitism on campus.

Columbia/Barnard Hillel responds

Brian Cohen, the executive director of the Columbia/Barnard Hillel at the Kraft Center for Jewish Student Life, posted on X, “This ruling is an important first step in righting the wrongs of the past year and a half. I am grateful to the rules administrator and other members of the administration for their roles in ensuring these cases were resolved.”

ICE detains Columbia graduate student

Earlier this week, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained former Columbia graduate student and U.S. green card holder Mahmoud Khalil, who served as a student liaison during the pro-Palestinian protests and encampments last spring.

According to the Associated Press, Khalil did not participate in the Hamilton Hall occupation.

Protesters, many of whom are Jewish, occupied Trump Tower in New York City Thursday, March 13, demanding Khalil’s release. Nearly 100 demonstrators were led away in handcuffs by NYPD officers.

Khalil is currently being held in a detention facility in Louisiana. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed interest in deporting Khalil.