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Over Boos, Columbia President Notes Mahmoud Khalil's Absence at Graduation

On May 21, 2025, Claire Shipman, serving as Columbia University's interim president, delivered a commencement address in Manhattan that referenced the absence of Mahmoud Khalil.
Khalil, a graduate student in international affairs, remains detained in Louisiana facing deportation linked to his role in pro-Palestinian protests and a federal crackdown on foreign students.
During the speech, some students booed and chanted 'free Palestine' and 'Free Mahmoud,' while others walked out, reflecting campus tensions over the university's response to the crackdown.
Shipman emphasized that international students should enjoy equal freedom of expression as all individuals and expressed sorrow over the loss of Mahmoud Khalil.
The event underscores ongoing conflicts at Columbia, where the Trump administration's policy caused loss of $400 million in federal funding and demands for university policy changes tied to the protests.

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Video. Gaza: President of Columbia University Booed by Students

Video - Since October 2023, Columbia University has been at the heart of pro-Palestine protests. At the graduation ceremony, students requested the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student arrested last March.

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Graduates Boo Columbia President At Commencement While Noting Mahmoud Khalil's Absence

Instead of attending commencement, the graduate student is fighting ICE detention and deportation in Louisiana for his pro-Palestinian activism on campus.

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Students chant 'Free Mahmoud' at Columbia University graduation

There was one notable -- and loudly noted -- absence on Wednesday at Columbia University's graduation ceremony: detained pro-Palestinian student protest leader Mahmoud Khalil.

2 days ago·Missoula, United States

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