Students protest for Mahmoud Khalil's freedom at Columbia graduation

On May 21, 2025, Columbia University in the United States witnessed a graduation ceremony that was significantly disrupted by student protests calling for the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a detained Palestinian activist. These protests were characterized by heckling directed at the acting university president, Claire Shipman, who had taken the podium to address the graduating class. The ceremony's protesters repeatedly shouted 'Free Mahmoud,' referencing Khalil's situation, creating a tense atmosphere during what is normally a celebratory event. Khalil, who was a graduate student in Columbia’s international affairs program, has been held in a Louisiana jail since March 8. He was taken into custody by immigration agents at his off-campus apartment amid ongoing national discussions regarding immigration policy and the rights of foreign students in American universities. His detention has captured attention, particularly as it coincides with heightened sensitivity around pro-Palestinian activism in academic settings, further exacerbated by the political climate over the past several years. During her speech, Shipman noted Khalil's absence and emphasized the university's commitment to protecting the rights of its students, especially international ones. However, her address elicited a backlash from the students present, with loud boos and chants erupting throughout her remarks. The graduation ceremony ultimately reflected broader tensions within the campus community regarding the treatment of activist students and the university’s responses to administrative demands from the federal government. The protests against Khalil's detention were not isolated to the graduation event; earlier, over a hundred protestors had stormed Columbia’s library in a separate demonstration advocating for Khalil's release, resulting in injuries to university officials. Such incidents have led to a growing divide on campus, bringing to the forefront questions about academic freedom, the rights of international students, and the boundaries of free speech within Columbia University. The university's leadership, under Shipman’s guidance since late March, has faced accusations of failing to protect students' rights amidst governmental pressures, raising critical discussions about the future of activism in academic circles.