Columbia University Disciplines Students Over Pro-Palestinian Protests
University takes action against students involved in demonstrations and encampments, amid negotiations with the Trump administration over federal funding.
Columbia University has announced disciplinary action against students who participated in pro-Palestinian protests on campus.
The university's judicial board has suspended or expelled nearly 80 students, imposing additional sanctions such as probation and degree revocations.
This move comes as Columbia negotiates with President Donald Trump's administration to restore $400 million in federal funding withheld over the handling of student protests against the war in Gaza.
The disciplinary action follows demands from the Republican administration for changes to the university's student disciplinary process and a new definition of antisemitism.
University officials stated that disruptions to academic activities violate university policies and will result in consequences.
A student activist group, Columbia University Apartheid Divest, criticized the disciplinary action, stating they remain committed to the struggle for Palestinian liberation.
The protests at Columbia were part of a broader wave of demonstrations on US campuses in spring 2024.
Since Trump's return to the White House, several top universities have faced funding cuts perceived as targeting antisemitism.
Additionally, individual student protesters have faced legal action, including the detainment and prosecution of graduate student Mahmoud Khalil, who is now suing the administration for false imprisonment and defamation.
The university's judicial board has suspended or expelled nearly 80 students, imposing additional sanctions such as probation and degree revocations.
This move comes as Columbia negotiates with President Donald Trump's administration to restore $400 million in federal funding withheld over the handling of student protests against the war in Gaza.
The disciplinary action follows demands from the Republican administration for changes to the university's student disciplinary process and a new definition of antisemitism.
University officials stated that disruptions to academic activities violate university policies and will result in consequences.
A student activist group, Columbia University Apartheid Divest, criticized the disciplinary action, stating they remain committed to the struggle for Palestinian liberation.
The protests at Columbia were part of a broader wave of demonstrations on US campuses in spring 2024.
Since Trump's return to the White House, several top universities have faced funding cuts perceived as targeting antisemitism.
Additionally, individual student protesters have faced legal action, including the detainment and prosecution of graduate student Mahmoud Khalil, who is now suing the administration for false imprisonment and defamation.
