Palestinian students sue Columbia University over alleged discrimination

A group of current and former Palestinian students and staff have filed a lawsuit against Columbia University in New York, alleging discriminatory treatment and biased disciplinary hearings against the Palestinian community since late 2023. The lawsuit claims the university failed to protect its Palestinian members from harassment.

Protests occurred at Columbia and across the U.S. following the start of Israel's military actions in Gaza in October 2023. Protesters demanded an end to U.S. support for Israel and called for university divestment from companies supporting Israel. In May 2025, Columbia suspended over 65 students for their involvement in shutting down the university's main library during a pro-Palestinian demonstration.

During this period, the university was negotiating with the administration of President Donald Trump, which had previously cut federal funding, accusing the university of tolerating antisemitism during pro-Palestinian protests. Some groups, including Jewish organizations, argue that opposing Israel's actions in Gaza and its occupation of Palestinian territories is not antisemitic and that advocating for Palestinian rights should not be conflated with supporting extremism.

Columbia agreed to pay over $200 million to the U.S. government in July of the previous year to resolve federal investigations and reinstate most of its federal funding. Free speech groups have criticized Columbia's crackdown on protests, which resulted in arrests, suspensions, expulsions, and degree revocations for students.