Mahmoud Khalil Sues Columbia Over Alleged Systemic Anti-Palestinian Bias

Mahmoud Khalil, an Algerian citizen of Palestinian descent, alleges that Columbia’s administration practiced deliberate indifference toward the harassment of pro-Palestinian students. Khalil was arrested by federal immigration officials at his New York apartment in March 2025 and held in detention for over 100 days, a period during which he missed the birth of his son. The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York, claims this targeting was a direct result of the university’s failure to protect its members from doxxing and intimidation.

The complaint names Columbia University, its board of trustees, and School of International and Public Affairs Dean Keren Yarhi-Milo as defendants. Plaintiffs argue the university violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and contractual obligations, seeking both monetary damages and the reinstatement of the Palestine Working Group, which was indefinitely suspended in September 2024. During a press conference at the university gates, Khalil stated that Columbia’s actions laid the groundwork for his federal targeting under the current administration.

University spokesperson Samantha Slater declined to comment on the specific allegations but maintained that Columbia remains committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all community members. Meanwhile, internal tension persists following reports that the university funneled significant funds to pro-Israel groups while providing little support to Arab or Muslim organizations. Associate professor Joseph Howley noted that these financial disparities reflect a broader institutional policy that has prioritized certain political leanings over the safety of its Palestinian students.