Overview
- Pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted Columbia's graduation ceremony, burning diplomas and chanting 'Free Palestine' outside the venue.
- Acting President Claire Shipman acknowledged detained graduate Mahmoud Khalil during her speech, drawing boos and walkouts from attendees.
- Khalil, detained by ICE since March, faces deportation for alleged activities tied to pro-Palestinian protests, which federal authorities claim undermine U.S. foreign policy.
- The NYPD arrested two demonstrators outside the ceremony, including at least one graduate, for burning diplomas during the protest.
- Columbia has faced ongoing tensions over protest policies, losing $400 million in federal funding earlier this year following demands from the Trump administration.