Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Columbia Students Fight Suspensions Over Pro-Palestine Activism

2/4/2025

38 5

Left

Students Challenge Suspensions

Three Columbia University students are taking a stand against their suspensions, claiming the university unfairly targeted them for their pro-Palestine activism. Aidan Parisi, Brandon Murphy, and Catherine Curran-Groome argue that their one- and two-year suspensions stem from a flawed disciplinary process, ignited by the recent surge in activism following the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.

Right

Friedman Resigns Protesting Massad

Columbia University is under fire for appointing Joseph Massad, a professor known for his pro-Hamas stance. In protest, business professor Avi Friedman resigned, highlighting deep-rooted issues and a troubling lack of academic integrity. His exit follows another resignation linked to Massad's contentious course on Zionism, intensifying worries about the university's ideological direction during these turbulent times.

Center

Trump Targets Antisemitism

The Trump administration is intensifying its focus on antisemitism, launching investigations at five U.S. universities, including Columbia, in response to pro-Palestinian protests. This move seeks to impose tougher penalties, igniting a fierce debate over free speech rights. The scrutiny follows the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, amplifying concerns about university actions against antisemitism.

1 of 3

Students Challenge Suspensions

Three Columbia University students are taking a stand against their suspensions, claiming the university unfairly targeted them for their pro-Palestine activism. Aidan Parisi, Brandon Murphy, and Catherine Curran-Groome argue that their one- and two-year suspensions stem from a flawed disciplinary process, ignited by the recent surge in activism following the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.

1 / 3