Mahmoud Khalil sues Columbia University in the United States
Palestinian human rights advocate and former graduate student Mahmoud Khalil has filed a lawsuit in the United States against Columbia University in New York, accusing the institution of years of anti-Palestinian discrimination, indifference to harassment and retaliatory actions in response to complaints. The Guardian reports.
Claimants' allegations
Khalil and members of the Palestine Working Group at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs filed the lawsuit in the Southern District of New York. They accuse the university, its board of trustees and the school's dean, Keren Yarhi-Milo, of “deliberate inaction” and failure to respond to serious, prolonged and coordinated harassment of students who publicly advocated for Palestinians' rights.
According to the claimants, after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and the start of Israel's war in Gaza, students repeatedly asked the administration to protect them from campaigns involving the public disclosure of personal data. The complaint states that their photographs, names and personal information were published online and displayed on mobile billboards.
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Khalil's detention and the university's response
Khalil, who has a permanent residence permit in the United States, was studying at the School of International and Public Affairs when federal immigration agents detained him in his university apartment in March 2025. The administration of President Donald Trump detained him and sought to deport him because of his pro-Palestinian activities. Khalil was released from custody in June 2025, but he continues to challenge attempts to deport him.
In a statement on the new lawsuit, Khalil alleges that the university's indifference and discrimination created the conditions for his persecution by the Trump administration. He also said he intends to file lawsuits against people at Columbia University whom he considers responsible for what he endured.
A university spokesperson declined to comment on the pending litigation. At the same time, the spokesperson said that Columbia University seeks to protect its community from discrimination and harassment and to respond promptly and appropriately to related complaints. According to the lawsuit, in May 2025 the university suspended the Palestine Working Group; the decision remains in effect.
