Mahmoud Khalil sues Columbia over alleged discrimination against Palestinian students
The Columbia graduate is seeking damages and the reinstatement of a suspended student group, while the university has not formally responded.
Pro-Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate Mahmoud Khalil is suing the university and Keren Yarhi-Milo, dean of its School of International and Public Affairs, alleging institutional racism, harassment and discrimination against Palestinian students and the Palestine Working Group.
The complaint, brought in collaboration with the student organisation, alleges Columbia showed “deliberate indifference” to severe and persistent harassment linked to pro-Palestinian advocacy. It claims the conduct included intimidation, doxxing and threats against members of the group, which was formed in 2018 and later suspended indefinitely by the university.
Khalil was a prominent organiser and negotiator during Columbia’s 2024 pro-Palestinian encampment protests. He was detained by US immigration authorities in March 2025 and released after 104 days, after authorities sought his deportation over his activism.
Khalil and the Palestine Working Group are seeking damages, an end to the suspension, safeguards against future discriminatory conduct and campus access for Khalil. The complaint says Khalil and other members suffered emotional, psychological, professional and reputational harm.
Columbia has not formally responded to the lawsuit. The university has previously said it is committed to protecting its community from discrimination and harassment, and to responding when concerns arise. The allegations in the case have not been tested or established in court, according to the account published by Al Jazeera Global News.
