Palestinian students and staff sue Columbia University alleging discrimination

A lawsuit filed in New York alleges Columbia University discriminated against its Palestinian students and staff. The plaintiffs, a group of current and former Palestinian students and staff, claim the university failed to protect them from harassment and subjected them to unfair disciplinary hearings. This alleged mistreatment began in late 2023, following the start of Israel's assault on Gaza. The lawsuit also states the university targeted the Palestinian community.

Columbia University has previously denied allegations of discrimination and condemned hate speech. The university declined to comment on the pending litigation when reached by Reuters. The legal action comes amid heightened tensions and protests on university campuses across the US, including Columbia, demanding an end to US support for Israel and university divestment from companies supporting the country.

In May 2025, Columbia suspended over 65 students for their involvement in shutting down the university's main library during a pro-Palestinian demonstration. This action occurred while the university was in negotiations with the Trump administration, which had previously cut federal funding over accusations of tolerating antisemitism during protests. Free speech advocates criticized Columbia's response to the protests, which led to student arrests, suspensions, expulsions, and degree revocations.