Trump Pressure Sparks Columbia Crackdown on Pro-Palestinian Students/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Columbia University has launched investigations into students critical of Israel, following pressure from the Trump administration and congressional Republicans. Students face potential disciplinary actions, including expulsion, for social media posts, protests, and op-eds supporting Palestinians. Critics accuse the university of suppressing free speech to protect federal funding, while Jewish students remain divided over the handling of pro-Palestinian activism on campus.
Columbia University Investigates Students for Criticizing Israel
Key Takeaways at a Glance
- Columbia students face investigations over pro-Palestinian speech.
- Trump administration threatens to cut federal funding.
- University’s disciplinary committee targets social media, protests, and op-eds.
- Free speech advocates call it government-led suppression.
- Jewish students remain divided over the handling of protests.
Columbia Cracks Down on Students Critical of Israel Amid Trump Pressure
Students Face Disciplinary Action for Pro-Palestinian Speech
Columbia University has launched investigations against dozens of students for their criticisms of Israel, sparking free speech concerns and accusations of political interference.
The school’s Office of Institutional Equity, a new disciplinary committee, has accused students of harassment and policy violations for activities including:
- Writing an op-ed calling for divestment from Israel.
- Posting pro-Palestinian messages on social media.
- Attending “unauthorized” protests.
- Displaying stickers critical of university trustees.
- Hosting an off-campus art exhibit about pro-Palestinian activism.
Senior Maryam Alwan, a Palestinian-American student, said she was accused of harassment over an op-ed published in Columbia’s student newspaper advocating for the school to sever academic ties with Israel.
“It just felt so dystopian,” Alwan said. “It made me not want to write or say anything on the subject anymore.”
Trump Administration and Congress Push for Crackdown
Columbia’s disciplinary actions come amid pressure from President Donald Trump’s administration and Republican lawmakers, who have threatened to cut federal funding over allegations that the school allows antisemitic harassment.
Earlier this week, federal agencies announced they are considering revoking $51 million in government contracts to Columbia, with potential cuts to billions more in grants.
The university, in response, issued a statement:
“We are resolute that calling for, promoting, or glorifying violence or terror has no place at our university.”
Meanwhile, House Republicans have launched an investigation into Columbia’s handling of campus activism. A recent congressional letter demanded student disciplinary records from nearly a dozen campus incidents, including protests and an art exhibit focused on Palestinian resistance.
Secret Investigations, NDAs, and Allegations of Misinformation
Columbia’s disciplinary committee operates in secrecy, requiring students to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) before accessing case files.
“The university is responding to government pressure to suppress protected speech,” said Amy Greer, a lawyer advising students. “It’s protecting its financial interests ahead of its students.”
Several students said they were falsely accused of attending protests they weren’t at or posting messages they never wrote.
Mahmoud Khalil, a graduate student and former protest leader, said he was hit with 13 allegations, many of which were social media posts he had no involvement with.
“They just want to show Congress that they’re doing something,” Khalil said. “It’s mainly an office to chill pro-Palestine speech.”
After refusing to sign an NDA, Khalil said the university blocked access to his transcript and threatened to withhold his degree—until he hired a lawyer and Columbia backed down.
Jewish Students Divided Over Columbia’s Response
Jewish students at Columbia have found themselves on both sides of the controversy.
Some Jewish students received disciplinary notices for participating in pro-Palestinian protests. Others argue that campus activism has become hostile toward Jews and believe Columbia has been too lenient on demonstrators.
“Protesters have crossed the line into harassment,” said one Jewish student, who spoke anonymously. “They have made campus unsafe for anyone who supports Israel.”
Protests Continue as Crackdown Backfires
The investigations have not silenced pro-Palestinian activism—instead, they appear to be reigniting it.
At Barnard College, Columbia’s sister school, students occupied multiple buildings this week to protest the expulsion of two students accused of disrupting an Israeli history class.
“If they think this will stop protests, they’re wrong,” said one student protester. “This will only make us louder.”
The crackdown has led to arrests, with multiple students detained during a building takeover Wednesday night.
What’s Next?
The Trump administration’s funding threats remain unresolved, while students continue to challenge the university’s disciplinary actions.
Whether Columbia backs down or escalates its crackdown could shape the future of campus free speech across the country.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.