Story perspectives

Palestinian Students Sue Columbia Over Alleged Discrimination, Harassment

8/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Palestinian students and faculty sued Columbia University in New York State court, alleging discrimination.
The complaint says Columbia failed to protect them from harassment, including physical assaults, ethnic slurs, doxxing and a non-toxic gag spray.
Plaintiffs say disciplinary hearings were biased, resulting in suspensions and housing evictions.
They also allege the Antisemitism Task Force lacks comparable Palestinian protections and seek damages under New York City human-rights law.

History

Historical Context

In April 1968, over 2,000 Columbia students seized Low Library for 15 days, forcing President Grayson Kirk to negotiate and prompting the New York City Board of Education to create an Office of Equal Opportunity. The 2024 Gaza-solidarity protests revived that activist tradition and led Columbia to establish an Antisemitism Task Force. Plaintiffs claim the task force violates the New York City Human Rights Law.

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Story summary

Palestinian students and faculty sued Columbia University in New York State court, alleging discrimination.
The complaint says Columbia failed to protect them from harassment, including physical assaults, ethnic slurs, doxxing and a non-toxic gag spray.
Plaintiffs say disciplinary hearings were biased, resulting in suspensions and housing evictions.
They also allege the Antisemitism Task Force lacks comparable Palestinian protections and seek damages under New York City human-rights law.

1 / 2