Columbia Acting President Faces Protests at Graduation Over Mahmoud Khalil Detention

At Columbia University’s graduation, acting President Claire Shipman was interrupted by students demanding freedom for Mahmoud Khalil. Khalil, a Palestinian graduate student, was detained by ICE after participating in pro-Palestinian protests. He faces possible deportation from a detention center in Louisiana. The protests highlighted tensions on campus regarding pro-Palestinian activism and the university’s handling of the issue. Students voiced strong opposition during the ceremony, calling for Khalil’s release and criticizing the administration’s response.