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Columbia Alumni Stage Diploma Protest Over Jailing of Palestinian Activist
In a striking demonstration against the federal government’s detention of graduate student Mahmoud Khalil, a group of Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) alumni publicly tore their diplomas. The action served as a protest against Khalil’s imprisonment, which they believe is linked to his advocacy for Palestinian rights and is calling attention to student activism concerns at Columbia University.
Alumni Protest During SIPA Alumni Day
Instead of attending the university’s annual SIPA alumni day on Saturday, a few dozen former students and current students gathered outside the Columbia campus. This assembly was organized by the groups SIPA Alumni for Palestine and Barnard Alumni for Palestine, aiming to voice their dissent and demand justice for Mahmoud Khalil.
Protest Organizers Condemn University’s Role
The organizing groups conveyed their message on Instagram, urging others to “Join us March 29th at 1pm to PROTEST SIPA Alumni Day and demand justice for our community.” Their statement further emphasized, “Mahmoud Khalil – our colleague, our classmate, our friend – was unjustly arrested with the active complicity of SIPA’s administration, which has chosen surveillance and collaboration with federal agencies and law enforcement over protecting its students.” This accusation highlights the alumni’s belief in the university administration’s involvement in Khalil’s arrest, prioritizing external agencies over student welfare.
Diplomas Torn, “Shame on SIPA” Signs Displayed
During the Saturday protest, alumni visibly tore their diplomas, symbolizing their disassociation and discontent. Others present held signs bearing the message “Shame on SIPA,” directly criticizing the School of International and Public Affairs’ perceived inaction and alleged complicity in the situation.
Alumna Expresses Disappointment and Solidarity
Amali Tower, a SIPA alumna from 2009, participated in the demonstration and tore her diploma while addressing the gathering. “It’s not easy to do this,” Tower stated, emphasizing the gravity of the act and the absence of celebratory feelings. She further articulated her stance, saying, “I’m not a proud alumni at all, and instead I want to stand with the students, and I want to stand with Palestinians, and I want to stand with immigrants who are being rounded up and harassed, oppressed and deported as we speak.” Tower’s words underscored her shift from alumni pride to solidarity with students, Palestinians, and immigrants facing similar challenges, condemning current immigration enforcement practices.
Student Protester Highlights Jewish Values
Hannah, a student who provided only her first name citing safety concerns, also tore her diploma in protest. “I’m here today because I’m Jewish, and my Jewish beliefs tell me to show up for communities that are being oppressed, that are being targeted,” she explained. Hannah’s participation tied her protest to her religious beliefs advocating for justice and support for marginalized groups.
Criticism of University Leadership
Hannah directly criticized past and present university leadership regarding their handling of student protests. She specifically named former president Minouche Shafik, whose tenure saw police intervention against student demonstrators in spring 2024, as well as interim president Katrina Armstrong, and incoming president Claire Shipman.
Student’s View on University Administration
“I think Minouche Shafik did an awful job. I think the interim president Armstrong did an awful job,” Hannah asserted. She continued, “I think Shipman is going to do an awful job because they’re not listening to their students. They’re listening to the board of trustees.” This statement reflects a broader sentiment of discontent among protesting students concerning university administrators prioritizing the board of trustees over student concerns.
Student Expresses Fear on Campus
Jasmine Sarryeh, a current SIPA student and friend of Mahmoud Khalil, conveyed the climate of fear among students. “Students are terrified to set foot on campus. I’m one of them, so just the fact that I’m here is scary because [of] the way that our colleagues have disappeared,” Sarryeh revealed, highlighting the palpable anxiety and fear of repercussions felt by students in the aftermath of Khalil’s arrest and similar incidents.
Impact of Khalil’s Detention
Sarryeh expressed the emotional toll of Khalil’s absence, “Mahmoud is a very loved community member, and the fact that he was taken away from his eight months’ pregnant wife and from all of us here at SIPA is devastating. It’s hard to go to class, it’s hard to come here and not think of him.” Her statement underscored Khalil’s importance to the SIPA community and the profound impact of his detention on his peers and the university environment.
Broader Context of Student Detentions
The demonstration by SIPA alumni and students occurs within a context of increasing detentions of students across the United States by federal immigration authorities due to their Palestinian activism. Mahmoud Khalil, a permanent resident, was among those detained, arrested in front of his pregnant wife, Noor, earlier in March.
Other Student Detentions for Activism
Other instances of student detentions include Badar Khan Suri, an Indian postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown University, who was accused by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of alleged connections to Hamas. Furthermore, Yunseo Chung, another Columbia University student, had her permanent residency revoked by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and federal prosecutors in March, following her participation in anti-war demonstrations. In Chung’s case, a federal judge intervened, blocking immigration officials from detaining her as she initiated legal action against the Trump administration, accusing it of misusing “immigration enforcement as a bludgeon to suppress speech that they dislike.” These cases, including Khalil’s, illustrate a trend of heightened scrutiny and immigration actions taken against students engaged in Palestinian activism and anti-war protests.