Columbia University punishes students 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 the number of affected students. This announcement follows the Trump administration's decision to cancel $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 working to address them. The protests began after the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and included demands for divestment from Israeli interests. Federal immigration agents recently detained student leader Mahmoud Khalil, seeking his deportation, although a federal judge has temporarily blocked this action.