Columbia Graduation Without Mahmoud Khalil
- NEW YORK (AP) — Columbia University's 2025 graduation ceremony Wednesday was punctuated by student protests and expressions of discontent,particularly regarding teh absence of Mahmoud Khalil,a pro-Palestinian activist detained...
- As acting President Claire Shipman took to the podium, numerous students booed and shouted, "Shame on you." The protests reflected ongoing student support for Gaza and disapproval of...
- prior to the ceremony,an declaration warned attendees against disrupting the proceedings,stating that interruptions would not be tolerated and could result in removal from the premises.
columbia University Graduation marked by Protests,Student Discontent Over Detained Activist
Table of Contents
- columbia University Graduation marked by Protests,Student Discontent Over Detained Activist
- columbia University Graduation: Protests, Detained Activist & Student Discontent
- What Happened at the Columbia University 2025 Graduation Ceremony?
- Why Were Students Protesting?
- Who is Mahmoud Khalil, and Why Was He Detained?
- What Was the Reaction to Khalil’s Absence at Graduation?
- What Did the University President Say About the Protests and Khalil’s Detention?
- How Did Alumni Express Their feelings?
- What Is the Significance of the Keffiyeh?
- What Happened Outside the Graduation Ceremony?
- Was Ther a Celebration Despite the Tensions?
- Summary of Key Events & Reactions:
NEW YORK (AP) — Columbia University‘s 2025 graduation ceremony Wednesday was punctuated by student protests and expressions of discontent,particularly regarding teh absence of Mahmoud Khalil,a pro-Palestinian activist detained for over two months. The arrest and the university’s response drew criticism from students during the event.
Student Boos Greet University President
As acting President Claire Shipman took to the podium, numerous students booed and shouted, “Shame on you.” The protests reflected ongoing student support for Gaza and disapproval of recent student arrests by the Trump governance. Columbia has been a focal point for pro-Palestinian activism for the past 18 months.
prior to the ceremony,an declaration warned attendees against disrupting the proceedings,stating that interruptions would not be tolerated and could result in removal from the premises.
Demonstrations Outside the Ceremony
Outside the university grounds, a few dozen pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered, while police maintained a heavy presence around the perimeter.Inside, some graduates wore keffiyehs, scarves that have become a symbol of the Palestinian cause.
Shipman addressed the 16,000 graduates, acknowledging the controversy surrounding Khalil’s absence. Despite a fine rain and humid conditions, she congratulated the graduating class.
University Defends Freedom of Expression
“We firmly believe that our international students have the same rights to freedom of expression as all others, and that they should not be targeted by the government for exercising this right,” Shipman said.
She added, “And let me add that I know that several peopel are saddened by the absence of our graduate Mahmoud Khalil,” before advocating for the defense of democracy.
Activist’s Arrest Sparks Outrage
Khalil was arrested in early March and accused by the government of engaging in “activities related to Hamas.” He is currently detained in Louisiana and faces potential deportation. His lawyers stated Wednesday that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials denied Khalil’s wife, Noor Abdalla, the possibility to present their newborn son during a visit. Abdalla called the situation “cruel and unfair.”
Khalil, born in Syria to Palestinian parents, was arrested at his Columbia University residence despite having valid documentation, according to his legal representatives. This arrest contributed to the student protests during Wednesday’s ceremony.
Alumni Express Disappointment
The academic community has widely condemned Khalil’s arrest and detention as an infringement on freedom of expression.
“The university has behaved in a horrible way in recent years. I am embarrassed every day that my diploma is from this university,” said Olivia Blythe, 30, a social work graduate who wore a keffiyeh. She added, “We have a student who is detained. And the university did nothing for him.”
Alfred Young, a recent sociology graduate, said he appreciated the university’s focus on “social justice” but felt disconnected from the administration. He noted that Shipman’s mention of Khalil felt insincere, given the university’s handling of the situation.
Celebration Amidst Tension
Following shipman’s address, students celebrated by throwing their graduation caps into the air as Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind” played. While students took photos and celebrated, the tensions of the past year remained palpable. Outside the university, pro-Palestinian demonstrators continued their protest, with one sign reading, “There is no graduation today in Gaza.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Posted on May 22 at 12:47 a.m.
columbia University Graduation: Protests, Detained Activist & Student Discontent
What Happened at the Columbia University 2025 Graduation Ceremony?
The 2025 Columbia University graduation ceremony was marked by student protests and expressions of discontent. The primary focus of the protests was the absence of Mahmoud khalil,a pro-Palestinian activist who had been detained for over two months.
Why Were Students Protesting?
Students were protesting due too several key issues:
Mahmoud Khalil’s Detention: The most prominent cause for protest was the arrest and detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-palestinian activist.
University Response: Students criticized Columbia University’s response to Khalil’s arrest, perceiving a lack of support.
Support for Palestine: The protests reflected ongoing student support for the Palestinian cause, with a focus on the situation in gaza.
Student Arrests: Protests also reflected disapproval of recent student arrests.
Who is Mahmoud Khalil, and Why Was He Detained?
Mahmoud Khalil is a pro-Palestinian activist. He was arrested in early March and accused by the goverment of engaging in “activities related to Hamas.” He was born in Syria to Palestinian parents. According to the provided information, he was arrested at his Columbia University residence despite having valid documentation. He is currently detained in Louisiana and faces potential deportation.
What Was the Reaction to Khalil’s Absence at Graduation?
The absence of Mahmoud Khalil was a central point of contention during the graduation ceremony.
student Boos: Acting President Claire Shipman was booed and shouted at by many students during her address, with shouts of “Shame on you.”
Expressions of Sadness: Shipman acknowledged the controversy surrounding Khalil’s absence during her address, stating, “And let me add that I no that several people are saddened by the absence of our graduate Mahmoud Khalil.”
Keffiyehs: Some graduates wore keffiyehs,a symbol of the Palestinian cause,inside the ceremony.
What Did the University President Say About the Protests and Khalil’s Detention?
Claire Shipman,the acting president,addressed the controversy of Khalil’s absence. She said the university “firmly believe that our international students have the same rights to freedom of expression as all others, and that they shoudl not be targeted by the government for exercising this right.” She also mentioned the sadness surrounding Khalil’s absence and advocated for the defense of democracy.
How Did Alumni Express Their feelings?
Alumni expressed their disappointment and criticized the university’s handling of the situation.
Criticism of University’s Actions: Olivia Blythe, a social work graduate, said, “The university has behaved in a horrible way in recent years. I am embarrassed every day that my diploma is from this university.”
* perceived Insincerity from the Administration: Alfred Young, a sociology graduate, noted that Shipman’s mention of Khalil felt insincere given the university’s handling of the situation.
What Is the Significance of the Keffiyeh?
The keffiyeh is a scarf that has become a symbol of the Palestinian cause. graduates wearing them during the ceremony demonstrated their support for the Palestinian cause.
What Happened Outside the Graduation Ceremony?
outside the university grounds, a few dozen pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered to protest, while police maintained a heavy presence. The demonstrators’ presence offered a visual counterpart to the protest inside the ceremony.
Was Ther a Celebration Despite the Tensions?
Yes, despite the protests and tensions, there was also a celebration. Following Shipman’s address, students celebrated by throwing their graduation caps into the air as Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind” played.However, the underlying tensions of the past year remained palpable, as evidenced by the ongoing protests and signs outside the university.
Summary of Key Events & Reactions:
| Event | Description | Reaction |
| :———————— | :————————————————————————————————————————————- | :——————————————————————————————————————————- |
| Mahmoud Khalil’s Arrest | Arrested in early March,accused of activities related to Hamas. detained despite valid documentation. | Sparks student protests,alumni condemnation. |
| Graduation Protests | Students booed the acting president and shouted protest slogans. Wearing of keffiyehs. | Demonstrations of support for Palestine and disapproval of university’s response. |
| President’s Address | Acknowledged Khalil’s absence and defended students’ rights to freedom of expression. | Mixed reception, some saw this as insincere. |
| Alumni Reactions | Alumni expressed disappointment and criticized the university’s handling of Khalil’s case, with some expressing embarrassment about their diploma. | Expressions of discontent and condemnation of the university’s actions and perceived lack of support for the detained activist. |
| Outside Demonstrations | Pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered to continue their protest. | Demonstrates solidarity and support.|