Columbia University has has expelled students involved in last year’s pro-Palestinian protests, expelling some, suspending others, and revoking the diplomas of certain graduates.
The university made the announcement on Thursday in a campus-wide email, citing violations related to the occupation of Hamilton Hall in April 2024. Students who had only participated in the encampment without entering Hamilton Hall were not subjected to further punishment.
It did not disclose how many students were expelled or suspended but said that decisions were made based on the severity of each student’s actions, reported news agency Associated Press.
The move follows pressure from the Trump administration, which recently cut over $400 million in federal funding, accusing the university of failing to address antisemitism on campus.
The April 2024 protests began with a tent encampment, which later escalated when a smaller group of students barricaded themselves inside Hamilton Hall using furniture and padlocks. At the request of university officials, New York police forcibly removed the protesters, arresting dozens. Although 31 of the 46 arrested students had their trespassing charges dropped, they still faced university disciplinary hearings.
The announcement comes amid the arrest of Palestinian student activist Mahmoud Khalil by federal immigration authorities last Saturday. Trump has said that Khalil’s arrest is “the first of many.” At the same time, House Republicans are demanding disciplinary records of students involved in the protests, threatening further financial penalties if the university does not comply.
Also read: ‘Free Mahmoud, free them all’: Protesters take over Trump Tower, NYC demanding Columbia student’s release
On Thursday, Khalil and seven other students filed a lawsuit in federal court to block Congress from obtaining their records. The lawsuit argues that the demand violates students’ First Amendment rights and is an attempt to suppress political speech.
Meanwhile, Hundreds of protesters gathered inside the lobby of Trump Tower in New York City on Thursday, demanding the release of Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil. Khalil is currently in ICE custody in Louisiana, with the Trump administration moving forward with plans to deport him.
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