Columbia University has expelled and suspended dozens of students for their participation in pro-Palestinian protests in 2024 and 2025. The university cited disruptions to the Butler Library in May 2025 and an encampment during Alumni Weekend in spring 2024 as violations of university policies. The student activist group Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD) reported that nearly 80 students faced punishments ranging from suspension (up to three years) to expulsion and revocation of degrees. CUAD stated that these sanctions "hugely exceed precedent" for similar protests.

The university's actions follow a crackdown on pro-Palestinian protests on campus in 2024, which involved the deployment of New York City police and numerous arrests. Despite this, students occupied the Butler Library again during final exams in May 2025, demanding divestment from companies linked to the Israeli military. The university's Judicial Board confirmed the disciplinary actions as the "final set of findings" from that period. These events occurred as Columbia University negotiates with the Trump administration to restore $400 million in federal funding, previously cut due to alleged failures to protect Jewish students. The acting president, Claire Shipman, was booed at a May graduation ceremony for her role in the crackdown.

Impact Statement: The expulsion and suspension of numerous students for pro-Palestinian activism at Columbia University sets a significant precedent, potentially impacting future student activism and freedom of expression on college campuses.