Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Mahmoud Khalil Sues Columbia Over Alleged Anti-Palestinian Harassment
Mahmoud Khalil and other student activists are suing Columbia University.
They say the school did not properly protect pro-Palestinian students from threats, doxxing and harassment.
They say some of the mistreatment was connected to students’ Arab or Muslim background or support for Palestinian rights.
The lawsuit also says Columbia treated protests as security problems instead of investigating complaints.
The plaintiffs say students faced discipline and restrictions after raising concerns.
Columbia did not directly answer the lawsuit’s accusations.
The university said it takes campus safety and protection from discrimination seriously.
Khalil was arrested by immigration agents in March 2025 even though he had a green card and was not accused of a crime.
He was later released on bail but could still be deported.
Mahmoud Khalil, the SIPA Palestine Working Group and its president, Mohammad Zubairi, sued Columbia University in Manhattan federal court.
The lawsuit alleges Columbia violated federal civil rights law by failing to protect pro-Palestinian students from threats, doxxing and harassment.
Plaintiffs say the harassment was linked to perceived Arab or Muslim ancestry and advocacy for Palestinian rights.
The complaint alleges Columbia treated pro-Palestinian protests as security risks and retaliated against students who reported mistreatment.
Khalil, a lawful permanent resident and Algerian citizen, was arrested in March 2025, held for 104 days and still faces possible deportation.
- Who
- Mahmoud Khalil, the SIPA Palestine Working Group and Mohammad Zubairi sued Columbia University.
- What
- They allege Columbia violated federal civil rights law by failing to protect pro-Palestinian students and retaliating against complaints.
- When
- The lawsuit was announced on September 14; Khalil was arrested in March 2025 and held for 104 days.
- Where
- The complaint was filed in Manhattan federal court and concerns Columbia University in New York.
- Why
- The plaintiffs say Columbia failed to respond to harassment and violence connected to Palestinian advocacy and perceived Arab or Muslim ancestry.
Plaintiffs’ allegations
Columbia’s stated position
Campus protection
Plaintiffs’ allegations
The plaintiffs say Columbia ignored repeated reports of threats, doxxing, harassment and violence against pro-Palestinian students.
Columbia’s stated position
Columbia declined to comment directly on the lawsuit but said it is committed to a campus where everyone feels welcome, supported and safe.
Protest policies
Plaintiffs’ allegations
The complaint says Columbia treated pro-Palestinian protests as security risks and made criticism of Israel’s military or government conduct subject to discipline.
Columbia’s stated position
The university has sought to balance safety concerns with calls for greater normalcy and openness; some community members said they felt unsafe or viewed some activity as antisemitic.
Institutional bias
Plaintiffs’ allegations
Khalil described Columbia as having entrenched, institutionalized anti-Palestinian bigotry and said its leadership prioritized the university’s reputation over student safety.
Columbia’s stated position
Columbia has not directly responded to those characterizations and says it takes protection from discrimination and harassment seriously.
- Plaintiffs
- Mahmoud Khalil, the SIPA Palestine Working Group and Mohammad Zubairi
- Defendant
- Columbia University, along with university officials named in the complaint
- Legal venue
- Manhattan federal court, in the Southern District of New York
- Allegations
- Failure to protect students from threats, doxxing, violence and other harassment
- Khalil’s status
- Algerian citizen and lawful permanent resident of the United States
- Detention
- Khalil spent 104 days in a Louisiana jail after his March 2025 arrest
- Immigration case
- Khalil was released on bail but still faces possible deportation
