Palestinian Student Sues Columbia University for Alleged Discrimination

A Palestinian student, Mahmoud Khalil, has filed a lawsuit against Columbia University, alleging a pattern of anti-Palestinian discrimination and a failure by the institution to address persistent harassment. Khalil, a green card holder of Palestinian descent, claims the university exhibited "deliberate indifference" to his experiences during his time as a graduate student at the School of International and Public Affairs.

The lawsuit comes after Khalil's arrest by federal immigration agents in March 2025, an event he links to his pro-Palestinian advocacy. He asserts that Columbia's inaction created a hostile environment and that the university retaliated against him. This legal action highlights ongoing tensions and concerns regarding the treatment of students expressing pro-Palestinian views within academic institutions.