Columbia Graduation Disrupted by Protest Over Khalil

Columbia University's acting President Claire Shipman was met with boos and chants of 'Free Mahmoud' during the graduation ceremony, as students protested the administration's response to pro-Palestinian activism and the detention of graduate student Mahmoud Khalil. Khalil, a Syrian-born green card holder and activist, was arrested by ICE in March amid a Trump administration crackdown on foreign students involved in protests and is currently detained in Louisiana fighting deportation. The disruptions at the ceremony were further fueled by recent police crackdowns, including the arrest of over 70 campus demonstrators in May. Shipman paused her speech several times to acknowledge student frustration. Many students are also demanding the university divest from companies linked to Israel, intensifying divisions. The event underscored the ongoing debate within the Columbia community over free speech, protest, and the Israel-Gaza conflict.