In the aftermath of the arrest of over 100 pro-Palestinian demonstrators at Columbia University on April 18, protests have continued on campus and at schools across the United States. The demonstrations over the conflict between Israel and Palestinians have sparked debate among administrators, politicians, faculty, and students, causing division within the American public.
One of the key groups involved in the protests at Columbia is Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD), a coalition of more than 100 student groups. Formed in 2016, CUAD aims to end Columbia’s investments in companies that support Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. The coalition was reactivated following recent events in the conflict, drawing support from diverse student populations, including Jewish, Muslim, and Palestinian members.
Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian postgraduate student, serves as the lead negotiator for CUAD in discussions with university officials. Other prominent student groups involved in the coalition include the Columbia chapters of Jewish Voice for Peace and Students for Justice in Palestine, which have faced suspensions for organizing protests that violated school rules. The students are currently suing the university, alleging procedural irregularities and disproportionate punishment.
Columbia University President Nemat Minouche Shafik, who testified before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce regarding alleged antisemitism on campus, has faced scrutiny for authorizing police to clear the protest encampment. A pro-Palestinian U.S. group has filed a civil rights complaint against the university over its handling of the protests.
The House Committee on Education and the Workforce has held multiple hearings on student activism related to the Gaza conflict, with member Elise Stefanik playing a significant role. Former university presidents Claudine Gay and Liz Magill resigned after facing criticism for their testimony before the committee. Committee chair Virginia Foxx visited Columbia University and made critical remarks about the state of the institution.
Asna Tabassum, a Muslim biomedical engineering student, was chosen as the valedictorian of the University of Southern California. Tabassum, who shared a pro-Palestinian link on her social media, was barred from delivering the graduation speech due to security concerns. Following student protests and backlash, the university decided to cancel its main commencement ceremony. The events at USC reflect the ongoing tensions surrounding expressions of support for Palestine on college campuses across the country.
