Columbia University

US reinstates deportation proceedings against pro-Palestinian student Mahdawi

A US immigration judge in February had rejected efforts by US President Donald Trump's administration to deport the Columbia University student, who was arrested last year.

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY student Mohsen Mahdawi poses for a portrait inside Havemeyer Hall on the Columbia University campus in New York City, New York, US, May 18, 2025.
Columbia students, professors, gather in front of the University to rally in support of Mahmoud Khalil, Leqaa Kordia, and the numerous other community members who have been unlawfully detained by ICE, in New York City, United States, on March 09, 2026.

US appeals court rules Mahmoud Khalil deportation case can continue

One demonstrator fixes another head scarf outside the pro-Palestine encampment on the Columbia University campus on April 29, 2024 in New York City.

Columbia’s Hillel director: What do we do about antisemitism on campus?

Columbia students, professors, gather in front of the University to rally in support of Mahmoud Khalil, Leqaa Kordia, and the numerous other community members who have been unlawfully detained by ICE, in New York City,  United States, on March 09, 2026.

Palestinian activist Leqaa Kordia released on $100K bond from Texas detention


'They want to make an example out of me': Mahmoud Khalil sues Trump admin. over arrest - CNN

“From the moment that I was detained, I knew that I would eventually prevail,” he said. “What I simply did is protesting a genocide.”

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

Mahmoud Khalil seeks $20 million from Trump administration over immigration arrest

A DHS spokesperson called Khalil's claim "absurd" and said the Trump administration acted well within its legal authority to detain Khalil.

Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil gestures as he is released from immigration custody in Jena, Louisiana, U.S. June 20, 2025.

Israeli prof. Shai Davidai quits Columbia, as university drops harassment investigation

A letter Davdai posted shows that Columbia closed the inquest on July 8, "without any findings or conclusions of wrongdoing and without imposing discipline or penalty."

Israeli professor Shai Davidai outside of Columbia University, April 22, 2024.

Columbia University’s computer systems shut down by ‘hacktivist’ with political agenda

The outages, which started on June 24, caused a smiling image of US President Donald Trump to appear across monitors on campus. 

 A timed exposure shot of Columbia University's main academic library (and the largest building on campus), Butler Library, at dusk.

Acting Columbia president Claire Shipman apologizes for texts suggesting removal of Jewish trustee

Columbia faced intense pressure from the federal government to address allegations of discrimination by some Jewish and Israeli students.

Claire Shipman testifies before the House Committee on Education & the Workforce at Rayburn House Office Building on April 17, 2024 in Washington, DC.

Acting Columbia president suggested ousting Jewish trustee in favor of Arab one, House c'mttee says

Acting president of Columbia University suggested ousting of Jewish trustee while advocating for the appointment of “Arab on our board."

 Columbia University Acting President Claire Shipman speaks during the Commencement Ceremony at Columbia University in New York on May 21, 2025

Mahmoud Khalil says detainment ‘felt like kidnapping’ in first interview since release

Khalil, a 30-year-old Columbia University graduate and permanent US resident, was the first student pro-Palestinian protest leader to be detained by the Trump administration.

 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.

Mahmoud Khalil vows to resume pro-Palestinian activism after release from US jail

Khalil, who was greeted by American politician Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez upon his arrival in Newark, said that he would continue his activism even after his time in prison.

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

Over half of Jewish students at Columbia experienced discrimination, exclusion after Oct. 7

Just over half of Muslim students reported frequently feeling not accepted over their identity — fewer than Jewish students, but far more than in the overall student population.

 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.

Pro-Palestinian activist Khalil walks free after US judge orders release

Mahmoud Khalil says he is being punished for his political speech in violation of the US Constitution's First Amendment.

Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil gestures as he is released from immigration custody in Jena, Louisiana, U.S. June 20, 2025.