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Columbia Graduation Erupts in Protests for Detained Student

5/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

At Columbia University's graduation, acting President Claire Shipman was met with a chorus of boos and chants of "Free Mahmoud" as students protested the detention of graduate student Mahmoud Khalil by ICE. This powerful moment underscored the growing tensions surrounding U.S. immigration policies and student activism, echoing similar protests at George Washington University and NYU amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.

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Story summary

At Columbia University's graduation, acting President Claire Shipman was met with a chorus of boos and chants of "Free Mahmoud" as students protested the detention of graduate student Mahmoud Khalil by ICE. This powerful moment underscored the growing tensions surrounding U.S. immigration policies and student activism, echoing similar protests at George Washington University and NYU amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.