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, but the university did not disclose the number of affected students. This announcement 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 addressing them. The protests at Columbia began after the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023. They have sparked allegations of antisemitism and Islamophobia, leading to heightened tensions on campus.