Columbia University Expels Students for Building Occupation During Protests

Columbia University has expelled or suspended several students involved in a building occupation during pro-Palestinian protests last spring, while also temporarily revoking diplomas of some graduated students. These actions, confirmed in a campus-wide email, come amid heightened scrutiny from the Trump administration, which has cut over $400 million in federal funding to the university, citing failures to address antisemitism. The university’s decisions follow the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent activist associated with the protests, leading to further demonstrations calling for his release. Khalil, along with seven other current students, has filed a lawsuit to prevent Columbia from sharing disciplinary records with a congressional committee, alleging First Amendment violations. The sanctions reflect the culmination of a lengthy investigation into the protests, which included a significant occupation of Hamilton Hall on April 30, 2024. Columbia has pledged to work with federal officials to restore its funding and address concerns about campus safety and antisemitism.