Freed Palestinian student accuses Columbia University of inciting violence
3 minute readPublished: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 11:10 am
Freed Palestinian Student Accuses Columbia of Inciting Violence Amidst Protests
A Palestinian student, Mohsen Mahdawi, recently released from a Vermont prison, is accusing Columbia University of undermining democracy and inciting violence against students. Mahdawi, a leader in anti-war protests at the Ivy League institution, was arrested while finalizing his U.S. citizenship. He spent 16 days in custody before being released on April 30th.
Mahdawi's accusations come in the wake of clashes between pro-Palestinian protestors and campus security at Columbia's main library, resulting in the arrest of at least 80 individuals. He claims the university, instead of being a source of hope, is actively contributing to the destruction of the democratic system by supporting the agenda of the Trump administration and punishing students.
Columbia University, which implemented policy changes regarding protests following threats to its federal funding, declined to comment beyond the acting president's statement. The acting president, Claire Shipman, stated that protestors in the library reading room refused to leave and show identification, prompting the involvement of police.
Mahdawi, a legal permanent resident born in a West Bank refugee camp, organized campus protests and co-founded the Palestinian Student Union. His arrest, which he believes was politically motivated, was challenged in court. The judge ruled that he had a substantial claim that the government was attempting to stifle his speech. The Trump administration has previously sought his deportation.
Mahdawi's release allows him to attend his Columbia graduation later this month, a message he intends to send, despite feeling the administration has turned its back on him. He sees education as a beacon of hope and believes in the power of justice. He also referenced a recent court ruling in favor of a Tufts University student, Rumeysa Ozturk, as a sign that the justice system is functioning.
BNN's Perspective: While the situation at Columbia is complex, it's concerning to see accusations of the university stifling free speech and potentially targeting students based on their political views. It's crucial for universities to balance the right to protest with the need to maintain order and ensure the safety of all students. The situation highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas war and the need for respectful dialogue and understanding on all sides.
Keywords: Columbia University, Palestinian student, Mohsen Mahdawi, protests, Israel-Hamas war, campus violence, democracy, Trump administration, deportation, free speech, immigration, arrest, graduation, Vermont, Rumeysa Ozturk, Tufts University, Palestinian Student Union, anti-war protests, political activism.