Several alumni of Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs protested against the school by ripping up their diplomas in response to the detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and green card holder. Khalil was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents at his university-owned apartment on March 8, sparking outrage among alumni and current students. The protest was organized by SIPA Alumni for Palestine, with speakers expressing their disgust at the treatment of immigrants and Palestinians by the university administration and the US government. Many alumni, including Amali Tower, spoke out about their personal experiences as immigrants and the challenges they faced to earn their degrees at Columbia. The protesters held signs and chanted slogans in support of Palestine and Khalil throughout the demonstration. The Trump administration’s efforts to deport Khalil over his role in student protests and activism have raised concerns among students and alumni about the erosion of academic freedom and freedom of speech at Columbia. Some expressed disappointment in the university’s leadership and its handling of the situation, leading to a loss of faith in the institution. The protest highlighted broader issues of immigration policy, freedom of speech, and academic freedom on college campuses across the country.
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