Columbia University has taken disciplinary action against students involved in the demonstrations, suspending and dismissing them from the institution.
In a significant turn of events, Columbia University has taken disciplinary action against over 70 students who were involved in pro-Palestinian protests, most notably the May 2025 Butler Library occupation and an encampment during the previous spring's alumni weekend. The sanctions include degree revocations, multi-year suspensions (typically around two years), and expulsions.
The University Judicial Board (UJB), operating under the Provost’s Office since March 2025, adjudicated these cases. Disciplinary letters require suspended students to submit apologies for readmission, but some students have stated they will refuse, which would convert their suspensions into expulsions.
This disciplinary action comes amid Columbia's ongoing conflict with the Trump administration, which has accused the university of failing to adequately address antisemitism. As a result, $400 million in federal funding was withheld starting March 2025. Columbia is reportedly nearing a deal to restore part of the federal funding, contingent on addressing the antisemitism allegations and enforcing university policies to prevent disruptions in academic activities.
A student activist group claims that the newly announced disciplinary action exceeds sentencing precedent for prior protests. The university emphasizes that maintaining respect for institutional rules and focus on academic missions is essential, framing the disciplinary measures as necessary consequences for violating those policies.
The Trump administration has been cracking down on individual student protesters, and this case is not an exception. Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia graduate student and legal US resident, was detained over his participation in pro-Palestinian demonstrations and is now suing the Trump administration.
The university's response to the funding crisis has also been marked by tough decisions. Columbia University plans to lay off nearly 180 staffers and scale back research in response to the loss of funding. The administration's pullback of funding was due to the university's handling of student protests against the war in Gaza.
In summary:
- Columbia University has disciplined over 70 students involved in pro-Palestinian protests.
- The sanctions include degree revocations, multi-year suspensions, and expulsions.
- The protests in question were the May 2025 Butler Library occupation and an encampment during the previous spring's alumni weekend.
- The university's University Judicial Board (UJB) adjudicated these cases.
- $400 million in federal funding was withheld by the Trump administration since March 2025.
- Columbia is negotiating to restore part of the federal funding, contingent on addressing antisemitism allegations and enforcing university policies.
- A student activist group claims that the disciplinary action exceeds sentencing precedent for prior protests.
- Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia graduate student and legal US resident, was detained over his participation in pro-Palestinian demonstrations and is now suing the Trump administration.
- The university plans to lay off nearly 180 staffers and scale back research in response to the loss of funding.
- The administration's pullback of funding was due to the university's handling of student protests against the war in Gaza.
- The news of Columbia University's disciplinary action against over 70 students who were part of pro-Palestinian protests has been making general-news headlines.
- Articulate discussions are underway in the world and education-and-self-development circles regarding the University Judicial Board's (UJB) sanctions on students that include degree revocations, multi-year suspensions, and expulsions.
- Political analysts are following the case closely, as it involves the ongoing conflict between Columbia University and the Trump administration, which has resulted in the withholding of $400 million in federal funding since March 2025.
