Palestinian Activist Sues Columbia University Over Harassment and Detention
Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil sues Columbia University over harassment, detention, and alleged institutional failure to protect students.
POLICY WIRE — New York, United States — Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil has filed a lawsuit against Columbia University, alleging the institution failed to address harassment targeting him and members of a pro-Palestinian student group, while also retaliating after the abuse was reported.
The legal action, submitted in a New York federal court, claims that the university’s “deliberate indifference” led to the doxing of several students and played a role in Khalil’s immigration detention. The case also accuses the school of allowing false narratives about his actions to persist during his time in custody.
Columbia has not directly commented on the lawsuit but stated in an email that it is committed to ensuring a welcoming and safe environment for all students. Khalil, who previously challenged the release of student records to a congressional committee, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in March 2025 and spent 104 days in a Louisiana facility before a New Jersey judge ordered his release. His deportation case remains unresolved.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
