Pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil sues Columbia University over alleged racism

Mahmoud Khalil, a former graduate student at Columbia University, filed a civil lawsuit on Tuesday against the institution and its dean, alleging that the university engaged in institutional racism by targeting students who expressed pro‑Palestinian views. The complaint, submitted to the New York State Supreme Court, asserts that Columbia’s administration implemented policies and disciplinary actions that disproportionately affected pro‑Palestine activists, creating a hostile academic environment and violating the plaintiffs’ civil rights. Khalil seeks compensatory damages, injunctive relief to halt the alleged discriminatory practices, and a court order requiring the university to revise its conduct codes and grievance procedures.

The lawsuit arrives amid heightened tensions on college campuses nationwide, where debates over the Israeli‑Palestinian conflict have sparked both student protests and administrative responses. Columbia University has previously issued statements emphasizing its commitment to free expression while condemning hate speech, and the dean has denied any discriminatory intent, asserting that disciplinary measures were applied uniformly. The case will test the university’s policies on political expression and could set precedent for how higher‑education institutions address claims of bias related to campus activism.