Mahmoud Khalil sues Columbia University over years of alleged anti-Palestinian discrimination
Lawsuit accuses university of ‘deliberate indifference’ and failure to respond to ‘persistent and coordinated harassment’
TL;DR
- Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian descent green card holder, is suing Columbia University for alleged anti-Palestinian discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
- The lawsuit claims Columbia University exhibited 'deliberate indifference' and failed to respond to harassment against Khalil and other students advocating for Palestinian rights.
- Khalil was arrested by federal immigration agents in March 2025, an event he links to the university's alleged inaction and the Trump administration's targeting of pro-Palestinian advocates.
- The complaint, filed in the southern district of New York, also names the university's board and the dean of SIPA, Keren Yarhi-Milo.
- Khalil has filed multiple lawsuits, including one against the Trump administration and pro-Israel groups, and a $20m false imprisonment case.
- Columbia University stated it is committed to protecting its community from discrimination and harassment and responding promptly when concerns arise, but declined to comment on pending litigation.
- The lawsuit aims to hold institutions accountable for the hostile environments faced by pro-Palestinian students.