Overview

• Columbia University’s Office of Institutional Equity has launched investigations into students for activities such as pro-Palestinian protests, social media posts, and op-eds critical of Israel.
• Senior Maryam Alwan is among those accused of harassment for writing an op-ed advocating for divestment from Israel, with potential sanctions ranging from warnings to expulsion.
• The disciplinary actions follow federal threats to cut $51 million in contracts and additional grants, citing alleged inaction against antisemitic harassment on campus.
• Students and free speech advocates claim the measures are politically motivated, citing former President Trump’s pressure to suppress pro-Palestinian activism and deport student protesters.
• Jewish students have reported both receiving disciplinary notices for pro-Palestinian activism and experiencing antisemitism at protests, reflecting a complex and contentious campus climate.