Columbia University

Mahmoud Khalil demands US drop deportation order

Attorneys for Columbia University protest leader Mahmoud Khalil are fighting a final US deportation order.

Campus Antisemitism:

Harvard and Columbia's deep-rooted Jewish Problem

Harvard's "deliberate indifference" to campus antisemitism began long before October 7, 2023 and shows no signs of being corrected, while for the entire 21st century, Columbia University has been ground zero of academia's anti-Israel problem. Opinion.

Judge blocks deportation of anti-Israel Columbia U student

US immigration judge rejects the Trump administration's effort to deport a Columbia student arrested for anti-Israel activism, ruling the DHS failed to prove he was removable.

Columbia set to appoint Jewish professor as new President

Columbia University is preparing to name Jennifer Mnookin, a Jewish professor, as its next president, after a turbulent search shaped by campus unrest, federal pressure, and major financial penalties.

Antisemitism task force

All Columbia Middle East faculty 'explicitly anti-Zionist'

Columbia University's Task Force on Antisemitism finds that students do not have course options that present them with pro-Zionist content.

Judge orders anti-Israel activist Mahmoud Khalil deported

Immigration judge orders the deportation of former Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil, citing undisclosed info on his green card application. His lawyers fear a swift, unfavorable appeal.

Mahmoud Khalil defends Columbia protests, downplays antisemitism

In an interview with Ezra Klein, campus protest leader Mahmoud Khalil dismisses concerns over antisemitism, calling them a 'manufactured hysteria' while explaining his interpretation of Hamas' October 7th massacre in Israel.

Federal funds restored:

Columbia accepts $221 million deal, adopts antisemitism measures

Columbia University will pay over $220 million to settle federal funding disputes and EEOC investigations related to antisemitism.

Mahmoud Khalil repeatedly refuses to condemn Hamas on CNN

Columbia anti-Israel activist engages in argument with CNN host Pamela Brown over whether it is appropriate to ask him to condemn the October 7 massacre and the terrorists who carried it out.

Over Gaza protest

Columbia expels, suspends students

Columbia University issues mass suspensions, expulsions, and other penalties for students involved in a pro-Palestinian Arab protest in May.

Sanders meets Columbia protest leader, slams Trump

Senator Bernie Sanders meets with Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia student activist jailed for 104 days over anti-Israel protests, condemns the Trump administration’s actions.

Alleged anti-Israel arsonist arrested for torching NYPD vehicles

Suspect turns himself in a month after setting fire to 11 NYPD vehicles. The suspect is also accused of damaging a statue while attending an anti-Israel protest at Columbia.

Amid reports of settlement:

Columbia U adopts antisemitism definition

Columbia adopts Israel-related antisemitism definition as it negotiates with Trump administration.

Campus antisemitism:

Mahmoud Khalil seeks $20m from Trump admin

Columbia graduate Mahmoud Khalil is suing the Trump administration for $20 million, alleging retaliatory detention for over 100 days due to his role in campus demonstrations against Israel's war in Gaza.

Pro-Israel professor Shai Davidai exits Columbia University

Israeli-born Columbia University professor Shai Davidai, who ripped the school's failure to address campus antisemitism, is leaving his post, effective July 8, 2025.

Barnard College reaches settlement in antisemitism lawsuit

Barnard College settles a lawsuit brought by Jewish students over alleged rising antisemitism. The agreement includes a campus-wide mask ban, disengagement from the Columbia University Apartheid Divest group, and the creation of a Title VI coordinator to oversee anti-discrimination compliance.

Report:

Columbia, Trump admin close to funding deal amid antisemitism row

The Wall Street Journal reports that Columbia University and the Trump administration are in advanced talks to restore federal funding, previously cut due to alleged antisemitism. Columbia seeks to regain funding while maintaining autonomy.

Columbia acting President apologizes for anti-Israel texts

Columbia University's interim president Claire Shipman apologizes privately after leaked texts show her targeting a Jewish trustee for pro-Israel views and calling for an Arab board member.

Freed student Mahmoud Khalil joins NYC anti-Israel rally

Two days after being released from immigration detention, Mahmoud Khalil participates in anti-Israel protest in New York City in which participants chant “Palestine will live forever”.

Judge orders release of Columbia U activist Mahmoud Khalil

Federal judge orders the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a leader of pro-Palestinian Arab protests at Columbia University, who has been in custody since March facing potential deportation.

Australian writer expelled for supporting anti-Israel protest

Alistair Kitchen, an Australian writer and former student in the U.S., was deported from the United States after writing articles supporting student protests at Columbia University against Israel.

Setback for Trump:

Judge rejects foreign policy grounds for Mahmoud Khalil detention

US District Judge rules that the Trump administration cannot use foreign policy to justify detaining Columbia University student and pro-Palestinian Arab activist Mahmoud Khalil.

Over antisemitism

Trump admin moves to strip Columbia of accreditation

Trump administration initiates action to revoke Columbia University's accreditation, citing the school's failure to protect Jewish students from harassment.

DOJ:

Columbia protester accused of ties to Hamas military wing

The US Justice Department accused a protester who took part in anti-Israel protests at Columbia U. and assaulted Jews in New York of having ties to the al-Qassam Brigades.

Judge rules:

Mahmoud Khalil deportation 'likely unconstitutional'

Federal judge rules that the Trump administration's attempt to deport pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil is "likely unconstitutional," though he remains detained.

Ex-Bloomberg reporter arrested at Columbia anti-Israel protest

Jason Kao no longer employed by Bloomberg after his arrest during the occupation of a university library by anti-Israel radicals earlier this month.

Court approves:

Pro-Palestinian activist can attend Columbia graduation

Federal judge rules that Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian Arab activist and Columbia University student, can attend his graduation on May 21 despite Trump administration efforts to deport him.

Despite antisemitism failure

Columbia ex-President to return

Former Columbia University president Katrina Armstrong will return as CEO of the university’s medical center in June, after taking a sabbatical following a controversial deposition in which she failed to recall antisemitic incidents documented in Columbia’s own report.

Columbia University:

65 students suspended after anti-Israel protest at library

Columbia University suspends 65 students after a protest at Butler Library glorified terrorist Basel Al-Araj. During the protest, which disrupted final exam preparations, demonstrators called for divestment from Israel and handed out pamphlets promoting Al-Araj’s actions.

At least 78 arrested

Columbia University library stormed by anti-Israel demonstrators

Masked demonstrators take over Columbia University’s Butler Library, disrupting students preparing for final exams. Protesters declare the library a “liberated zone,” prompting university condemnation.

Judge:

'Explain legal grounds for Columbia student’s deportation'

Federal judge demands the Trump administration justify its attempt to deport Palestinian Arab Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil under a rarely used law citing foreign policy concerns.

Adams to Columbia protesters:

'Breaking the law is wrong, exit now or face arrest'

New York City Mayor Eric Adams condemns anti-Israel protest at Columbia University, where masked demonstrators overtook Butler Library, says that while peaceful protest is protected, lawlessness and hate will not be tolerated.

After Trump withholds funds

Columbia University slashes 180 jobs

Columbia University will cut nearly 180 staff positions following the Trump administration’s suspension of $400 million in federal funding.

Palestinian Columbia University student freed from ICE custody

Palestinian Columbia University student Mohsen Mahdawi freed from ICE custody on judge’s orders, immediately sends message to Trump

US authorities:

Columbia grad student Mahmoud Khalil was a 'flight risk'

Federal officials defend detention of Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil by citing a potential flight risk, according to new court filings.

White House rejects universities' criticism of interference

White House dismisses sharp criticism from over 100 US universities decrying alleged political interference in academia, following Harvard's legal challenge over federal funding threats.

Columbia University:

Anti-Israel protesters chain themselves to gates

Columbia University students and alumni chain themselves to campus gates, demanding the release of two detained Palestinian Arab students.

In Vermont

Palestinian Arab Columbia student leader arrested by ICE

Columbia University student and Palestinian Arab activist arrested by ICE agents during a routine citizenship appointment in Vermont. Advocates claim his detention is politically motivated.

Louisiana judge rules:

Columbia U activist Khalil Mahmoud can be deported

Louisiana immigration judge rules that activist Columbia University graduate Mahmoud Khalil, who initiated anti-Israel protests on campus, can be deported.

Mahmoud Khalil case

Trump admin cites foreign policy grounds

Memorandum signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio invokes foreign policy concerns in explaining reasons for the request to deport Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student and anti-Israel activist.

Judge to rule on case of Columbia anti-Israel activist

Louisiana immigration judge is weighing whether to end deportation proceedings against Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University activist detained for his involvement in anti-Israel protests.

'Vichy on the Hudson'

Mahmoud Khalil claims antisemitism fears 'manufactured'

CUAD leader facing deportation claims Columbia 'laid the groundwork for my abduction' and attacks Jewish students in anger-fueled op ed in student newspaper.

'Name the trustee'

Columbia students chain themselves to fence in support of Khalil

Students state they will not move until Columbia U. reveals who provided the name of CUAD leader Mahmoud Khalil to ICE, demand Khalil's release.

Judge rules:

Mahmoud Khalil can challenge arrest in New Jersey, not Louisiana

US judge rules that Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil may contest his arrest by immigration authorities in New Jersey rather than Louisiana, where he is detained.

CUAD's Instagram account suspended for promoting violence

Columbia University Apartheid Divest, that was led by Mahmoud Khalil, has one of its social media accounts suspended over its explicit endorsement of violence.

'Capitol Hill nonsense'

New Columbia pres. dismissed Congress hearings on antisemitism

Claire Shipman, the newly appointed president of Columbia University, dismissed Congressional hearings on campus antisemitism and called for reinstating student groups suspended for antisemitism, House report reveals.

Columbia University president resigns

After succumbing to government demands to combat anti-Semitism, Katrina Armstrong, the interim president of Columbia University, resigned from her position.

Amid deportation battle

Columbia University activist to remain detained

Judge rules that Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil will remain incarcerated in Louisiana as the judge deliberates on whether his legal challenge should proceed in federal court there or in New Jersey.

Trump Admin. pushes Columbia to double down on mask ban

Government demands Columbia Unviersity fulfill its agreement to take steps to protect Jewish students after the school's interim president assured faculty there is no mask ban.

Columbia University:

Judge blocks deportation of student involved in Gaza protests

Federal judge rules that Yunseo Chung, a Columbia University student who participated in anti-Israel campus protests, cannot be detained while contesting orders for her deportation.

Over revoked funding

Columbia University faculty sue Trump administration

Faculty members at Columbia University file lawsuit against the Trump administration in effort to restore $400 million in federal funding that was withdrawn over concerns related to antisemitism.

Columbia pres. now says mask bans are 'real'

Following report she assured faculty there would be no mask ban on campus, Columbia University interim president Katrina Armstrong states, 'Any suggestion that these measures are illusory, or lack my personal support, is unequivocally false.'

Education Secretary:

'Restoration of Columbia funding not guaranteed, depends on acts'

US Education Secretary Linda McMahon says govt. will need to see Columbia U. actually implement the reforms it agreed to for its $400 in federal funds to be restored.

Despite promise:

Columbia pres. says there is no mask ban

US President Trump's team says Columbia agreed to “enforcing a strict anti-masking policy,' interim President Katrina Armstrong tells faculty there is no mask ban.

Anti-Israel campus activities

Columbia student sues over deportation threat

Columbia University student accuses Trump administration of targeting her for deportation due to her pro-Palestinian Arab stance.

Over ties to Hamas terror

Hostage families file suit against Columbia protesters

Families of hostages abducted by Hamas on October 7 file lawsuit against Mahmoud Khalil and several student groups, accuse them of "aiding and abetting Hamas' continuing acts of international terrorism".

US Justice Department:

Mahmoud Khalil hid UNRWA ties in green card application

US government says Columbia U. protest leader hid multiple items, including connections to UNRWA and membership in CUAD, on his visa application, and this is grounds to deport him.

US Education Secretary:

'Columbia on right track for funding restoration'

Education Secretary Linda McMahon says Columbia University is making progress toward regaining federal funding following the institution’s agreement to implement key policy changes demanded by the Trump administration.

Anti-Israel Columbia activist Mahmoud Khalil appears in court

Mahmoud Khalil, Columbia University student activist responsible for anti-Israel protests on campus, appears in immigration court in Louisiana, for hearing which focused on scheduling.

After funding cut

Columbia bows to Trump, agrees to sweeping campus reforms

Columbia University agrees to comply with Trump’s demands for reforms in order to restore $400 million in federal funding that was revoked earlier this month over anti-Israel activity on campus.