Columbia University Expels Pro-Palestinian Protesters

Columbia University has taken disciplinary action against dozens of students involved in pro-Palestinian protests earlier this year. The demonstrations included a sit-in at the main library before final exams in May and an encampment during the university’s 2024 alumni weekend.

According to a student activist group, nearly 80 students have received punishments ranging from one- to three-year suspensions to full expulsions. The university confirmed the penalties, which were decided by its judicial board, also include probation and, in some cases, revocation of degrees. However, Columbia did not release the names of the students involved.

This disciplinary wave comes as the university attempts to recover \$400 million in federal funding that was revoked in March by President Donald Trump’s administration. The funding was pulled over what the administration described as Columbia’s failure to curb antisemitism on campus during the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, which began in October 2023.

In negotiations to restore the funding, Columbia has agreed to several conditions, including revising its disciplinary policies and adopting a broader definition of antisemitism.

In a statement on Tuesday, the university emphasized the need to maintain academic focus and mutual respect, warning that disruptions to university operations would carry consequences.

In May, Columbia also announced it would cut nearly 180 staff positions and scale back research projects due to the loss of federal funds. These layoffs affected about 20% of staff funded through the canceled grants.

The activist group Columbia University Apartheid Divest criticized the disciplinary measures, arguing they go beyond typical punishments for past protests. The group also said students would be forced to write apology letters to be allowed back, a demand many reject.

Despite the crackdown, the group pledged to continue advocating for Palestinian rights, saying, “We will not be deterred.”

Columbia played a central role in a wave of campus protests across the U.S. in spring 2024, with students setting up encampments and occupying buildings, leading to arrests and similar actions at other universities.

Since returning to the presidency in January, Trump has cut funding to several prominent universities he believes have been too lenient toward antisemitism. His administration has also targeted student protesters individually.

One such case involves Columbia graduate student Mahmoud Khalil, a legal U.S. resident with no criminal history, who was detained in March for his role in the protests. He is now suing the Trump administration, accusing it of false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, and defamation.