Columbia punishes students for pro-Palestinian protests

Columbia University announced punishments for students involved in a building occupation during pro-Palestinian protests last spring. This follows the Trump administration's decision to cut $400 million in federal funding due to concerns over antisemitism on campus. The university's judicial board issued sanctions, including suspensions and expulsions, but did not disclose the number of affected students. The union representing student workers criticized the expulsions, claiming they infringe on First Amendment rights. Columbia has been a focal point for anti-Israel protests since the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023. Federal immigration agents recently detained a student leader of the protests, although a judge has temporarily blocked his deportation.