Columbia University President Booed at Graduation Over Detained Student Protester

Columbia University President Claire Shipman faced loud boos and chants of “Free Mahmoud” during a graduation ceremony on Tuesday, as students protested the ongoing detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a fellow graduate.

Khalil, a permanent U.S. resident, was taken into custody by immigration officials in March due to his involvement in pro-Palestinian demonstrations held on the university's campus. Despite not being charged with any crime, he remains in detention pending deportation proceedings.

The incident has sparked outrage among student activists, who argue Khalil’s detention is politically motivated and infringes on free speech.

President Donald Trump has previously labelled pro-Palestinian campus protests as antisemitic, a claim strongly denied by the student movement, which insists their demonstrations advocate for human rights and peaceful solidarity with Palestinians.

Tensions over Khalil’s case continue to mount, as students demand Columbia's leadership take a stronger stand in support of his release.