Columbia University has expelled, suspended, and revoked diplomas of students involved in last year’s pro-Palestinian protests, citing violations of school policy. The decision follows federal funding cuts and mounting pressure over the university’s handling of antisemitism concerns.
Key Facts:
- Columbia University’s judicial board issued disciplinary actions against students who occupied Hamilton Hall.
- The university has not disclosed the number of students affected.
- The White House recently pulled $400 million in federal funding from Columbia over its failure to protect Jewish students.
- About 200 protesters staged a sit-in at Trump Tower demanding the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia graduate tied to the protests.
- The White House alleges Khalil was involved with Hamas, a claim his legal team strongly denies.
The Rest of The Story:
Columbia’s decision to expel and suspend students comes after months of scrutiny over the university’s handling of campus protests.
The disciplinary measures primarily target those who occupied Hamilton Hall, an escalation of demonstrations that had already raised safety concerns.
The crackdown coincides with a broader federal effort to address rising antisemitism on college campuses.
The Biden administration’s decision to withhold funding sent a strong signal that universities must enforce their policies to protect students from harassment and intimidation.
Meanwhile, protesters gathered at Trump Tower demanding the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a Syrian-born Palestinian refugee and former Columbia student leader.
His lawyers argue that allegations tying him to Hamas are baseless and a violation of his First Amendment rights.
A press conference is scheduled later today for his attorneys to publicly address his case.
I’m proud of Pres. Trump and Sec. Rubio for saying, “We’ve had enough,” to the virtuecrats and moral snobs at Columbia University. pic.twitter.com/GCGsnaz0kH
— John Kennedy (@SenJohnKennedy) March 13, 2025
Commentary:
Columbia finally took decisive action, and it was long overdue.
What happened at Hamilton Hall was not a peaceful protest—it was an act of lawlessness that created an environment of fear and intimidation, especially for Jewish students.
Universities cannot allow activists to disrupt campus life under the guise of free speech while targeting others with threats and harassment.
The federal government pulling funding played a major role in forcing Columbia’s hand.
Left to its own devices, the university might have continued its weak response, as faculty and administrators appeared complicit in shielding disruptive protesters from consequences.
It’s telling that serious action only came after financial pressure was applied.
Khalil’s case raises additional concerns.
If there is credible evidence that he engaged in activities supporting a terrorist group, then he should face legal consequences.
If he is in the U.S. on a visa, he should be deported immediately.
Free speech protections do not extend to those who aid or promote violence.
This should serve as a warning to other universities.
Columbia professor Jennifer Manly, who participated in the pro-Hamas demonstrations, has received $100 million in public funds for her "research" arguing that Alzheimer's is caused by "racism," not genetics or "lifestyle choices."
This is your brain on critical race theory. pic.twitter.com/bwhEn71HJv
— Christopher F. Rufo ⚔️ (@realchrisrufo) March 14, 2025
Academic institutions are places for debate and discussion—not mob rule and intimidation.
Columbia’s response, albeit delayed, should set a precedent for schools across the country: failure to maintain order and protect students will have consequences.
The Bottom Line:
Columbia University’s crackdown on protesters is a long-overdue step in restoring order on campus.
The decision follows federal funding cuts and growing concerns about antisemitism.
This should send a message to other universities—mob rule has no place in higher education.
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