Columbia University punishes protesters for building occupation

Columbia University announced punishments for students involved in a building occupation during pro-Palestinian protests last spring. Sanctions include multi-year suspensions, temporary degree revocations, and expulsions, though the university did not disclose specific names or numbers. This decision follows the Trump administration's cancellation of $400 million in federal grants, citing the university's inadequate response to antisemitism. Columbia's interim president acknowledged the administration's concerns and stated the university is cooperating with the government. Protests at Columbia intensified after the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent Israeli military response in Gaza. The Trump administration has initiated actions against pro-Hamas protesters, including the detention of student leader Mahmoud Khalil, whose deportation is currently blocked by a federal judge.