Columbia University is under intense scrutiny after taking disciplinary action against students involved in last spring’s pro-Palestinian protests. The university issued multi-year suspensions, temporary degree revocations, and expulsions against students who occupied a campus building.
While Columbia has not disclosed the number of students affected, those disciplined have the option to appeal. The university’s interim president, Katrina Armstrong, defended the decision, stating that Columbia was working with the government to address concerns surrounding the protests.
The move follows pressure from the Trump administration, which recently also cut over $400 million in federal funding, accusing the university of failing to address antisemitism on campus.
Here are some of the Columbia University students who were significantly impacted by Trump’s crackdown on pro-Palestine protests
Ranjani SrinivasanRanjani Srinivasan, an Indian doctoral student in Urban Planning at Columbia, left the US after her visa was revoked on March 5. The Department of Homeland Security accused her of supporting Hamas, though specific details of the allegations were not disclosed. Srinivasan, a Fulbright scholar with degrees from Harvard and Columbia, used the CBP Home App to self-deport on March 11.
Mahmoud Khalil
Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian graduate student at Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs, was arrested by US immigration agents on March 8 at his university residence. Khalil, a US green card holder, was actively involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus. His arrest has sparked widespread protests.
Grant Miner
Grant Miner, president of the Student Workers of Columbia (SWC) union, was expelled just before contract negotiations between the union and the university were set to begin. According to SWC, Miner was removed without evidence after nearly a year of disciplinary proceedings. The union has condemned Columbia’s actions, calling the expulsion an attempt to silence student labor organizers.
Leqaa Kordia
Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian student at Columbia, faced deportation after being accused by the Department of Homeland Security of overstaying her F-1 student visa. The news release announcing the accusation came just as Columbia was taking action against pro-Palestinian student activists, raising questions about the timing and motivations behind the enforcement.
