Palestinian Activist Mahmoud Khalil Files Discrimination Lawsuit Against Columbia University

Mahmoud Khalil, a graduate student at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), has filed a lawsuit against the institution, alleging years of anti-Palestinian discrimination and institutional failure to protect pro-Palestinian students.

The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York, claims that Columbia University and its administration demonstrated “deliberate indifference” toward harassment targeting Khalil and other students advocating for Palestinian rights. Khalil, a U.S. green card holder, was among the first pro-Palestinian activists detained by federal immigration agents in March 2025, an action he attributes to his university’s failure to provide adequate protection.

According to the complaint, Columbia University systematically ignored repeated reports of doxing, threats, and harassment directed at students involved in pro-Palestinian advocacy. The university allegedly subjected these students to disciplinary proceedings instead of addressing their safety concerns. SIPA’s Palestine Working Group was suspended in May 2025 and remains inactive.

Khalil’s legal troubles began after he was arrested at his university apartment in March 2025, missing the birth of his first child while in detention. He was released in June 2025 but continues to face deportation proceedings that may ultimately reach the Supreme Court.

In addition to the discrimination lawsuit, Khalil has previously challenged the Trump administration’s targeting of pro-Palestinian advocates and sought to prevent Columbia from sharing student disciplinary records with congressional investigators.

University officials declined to comment on the pending litigation but emphasized their commitment to protecting the community from discrimination and harassment. The case highlights ongoing tensions between pro-Palestinian student groups and university administrations following increased scrutiny of campus activism related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.

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