Columbia University is under intense scrutiny following its decision to expel and suspend several students involved in pro-Palestinian protests, including the occupation of Hamilton Hall in April 2024. The university’s actions, announced on June 1, 2025, have ignited a national debate over academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and the limits of student activism.
The disciplinary measures, which also included temporary revocation of degrees for some graduates, were issued by Columbia’s University Judicial Board. The university stated that sanctions were determined based on the severity of each student’s actions during the protests. However, the administration did not disclose the exact number of students affected.
The protests at Columbia were part of a broader wave of pro-Palestinian demonstrations on university campuses across the United States, sparked by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. At Columbia, tensions escalated when students established a tent encampment on campus, demanding the university divest from companies linked to Israel. The situation intensified with the occupation of Hamilton Hall, leading to arrests and disciplinary actions.
Critics argue that Columbia’s disciplinary actions reflect a capitulation to political pressure, particularly from the Trump administration, which has taken a hardline stance against campus protests perceived as antisemitic. In March 2025, the administration revoked $400 million in federal funding to Columbia, citing the university’s failure to address antisemitism on campus. Subsequently, the administration issued demands for institutional reforms, including the expulsion of student protesters and changes to academic programs.
The university’s compliance with these demands has drawn criticism from faculty, students, and civil liberties organizations, who view the actions as undermining academic freedom and free speech. Some faculty members have expressed concern that the administration’s response sets a dangerous precedent for handling dissent on campus.
Legal challenges have also emerged. Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian graduate student and lawful U.S. resident, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in March 2025, following his involvement in the protests. A federal judge later ruled that the government’s attempt to deport Khalil was likely unconstitutional, citing concerns over due process and the vagueness of the immigration law used to justify the deportation.
The situation at Columbia reflects broader national tensions over the balance between free expression and institutional policies in higher education. As universities navigate the complexities of campus activism, the Columbia case serves as a focal point for discussions on the role of academic institutions in upholding democratic principles amid political pressures.
