Story perspectives

Columbia faces anti-Palestinian discrimination lawsuit over bans

By Drooid · Sep 15, 2026, 6:21 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Mahmoud Khalil sued Columbia University on September 14, 2026, alleging anti-Palestinian discrimination.
The suit also names SIPA Dean Keren Yarhi-Milo, the Board of Trustees and Institutional Equity office.
Khalil and PWG president Mohammad Zubairi claim Columbia ignored repeated harassment and doxxing reports.
They allege Columbia suspended PWG in May 2025 and banned Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace.

History

Historical Context

The 1968 occupation of Low Library sparked the first police raid on Columbia campus in decades and prompted governance reforms such as a representative university senate. In 2024, Gaza-solidarity encampments led to 109 arrests and heightened oversight of student groups. The lawsuit by Students for Justice in Palestine and PWG president Mohammad Zubairi revives that legacy of campus-policy change.

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Story summary

Mahmoud Khalil sued Columbia University on September 14, 2026, alleging anti-Palestinian discrimination.
The suit also names SIPA Dean Keren Yarhi-Milo, the Board of Trustees and Institutional Equity office.
Khalil and PWG president Mohammad Zubairi claim Columbia ignored repeated harassment and doxxing reports.
They allege Columbia suspended PWG in May 2025 and banned Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace.

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