Released Palestinian Student Claims Columbia University Promotes Violence

Published: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 9:09 am

Released Palestinian Student Accuses Columbia of Inciting Violence Amidst Protests

A Palestinian student, Mohsen Mahdawi, recently released after being detained by immigration authorities, is speaking out against Columbia University, accusing the institution of undermining democracy and inciting violence against students. Mahdawi, a key organizer of anti-war protests at Columbia in 2023 and 2024, was arrested just before completing his U.S. citizenship application.

Mahdawi, who spent 16 days in detention, claims Columbia's actions, particularly its handling of pro-Palestinian protests, contradict its role as a center of learning. He cited a recent incident where over 80 individuals were arrested after a confrontation between demonstrators and campus security in the university's library. He alleges the university is endorsing policies reminiscent of the Trump administration while simultaneously punishing and abusing its students.

Columbia University, which has faced scrutiny and threats to its federal funding, declined to comment beyond a statement from Acting President Claire Shipman. Shipman stated that protesters who occupied a library reading room were asked to leave and show identification, but refused, leading to police intervention.

Mahdawi's arrest, which the judge ruled was potentially an attempt to stifle his speech, has drawn attention to the detention of college students involved in protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. He was arrested by masked and armed agents after completing his citizenship test. His release, which is being challenged by the government, allows him to attend his graduation from Columbia later this month. He plans to attend, viewing it as a message of hope and the importance of education.

BNN's Perspective: While the situation at Columbia is complex, it's crucial to acknowledge the concerns raised by students like Mahdawi. Universities must balance the right to protest with the need to maintain order and ensure the safety of all students. The university's response to the protests, and the government's actions regarding student activists, should be carefully scrutinized to ensure that free speech is protected and that all students are treated fairly.

Keywords: Columbia University, Palestinian student, Mohsen Mahdawi, protests, Israel-Hamas conflict, campus security, arrests, democracy, free speech, immigration, citizenship, Trump administration, violence, education, student activism, pro-Palestinian, anti-war, detention, graduation.

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