Anti-Israel activist Mahmoud Khalil sues Columbia University citing 'deliberate indifference' to Palestinians
Mahmoud Khalil Files Suit Against Columbia University Over Alleged Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation
New York, NY – On Monday, anti‑Israel activist Mahmoud Khalil filed a civil complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, accusing Columbia University of creating a hostile environment for students who support Palestinian rights and of retaliating against him and his peers. In the lawsuit, Khalil claims the university’s failure to address systematic harassment led to his 2025 detainment and attempted deportation by the Trump administration.
Khalil, a former Columbia student, said in the complaint that the university “fostered an environment of hostility towards students holding pro‑Palestine views, who were perceived as being Muslims, Arabs, non‑citizens, and/or immigrants, and others for their association with those students.” The filing details coordinated harassment of Khalil, fellow activist Mohammad Ibrahim Zubairi, and members of the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) Palestine Working Group. The complaint further alleges that the university’s “deliberate indifference” and subsequent retaliation against Khalil and the working group “directly led” to his detainment and attempted deportation in 2025.
Timeline of Arrest and Detention
Khalil was arrested in 2025 at a university‑owned apartment in New York City after the Department of Homeland Security’s Investigations (DHS‑I) revoked his green card, according to his attorney, Amy Greer. He was then transferred to a Louisiana detention center, where he remained for 104 days before a federal judge in New Jersey ordered his release. In July, a U.S. appeals panel ruled that the judge had overstepped his authority, holding that the case must proceed through the immigration court system before being challenged in federal court. Khalil has since been released but continues to face legal battles over his status.
Second Lawsuit Against the Trump Administration
Earlier in July, Khalil filed a separate lawsuit alleging that officials of the Trump administration conspired with private pro‑Israel organizations—including the Heritage Foundation, Canary Mission, and Betar—to arrest and deport activists like himself. The complaint claims that these actions violated the Ku Klux Klan Act, arguing that the conspirators’ “shared unlawful purpose and animus” sought to “terrorize and make an example of Mr. Khalil and other non‑citizen Palestinians or supporters of Palestinians… in order to intimidate and silence the growing movement for Palestinian rights and political freedom.”
Columbia University’s Response
A Columbia spokesperson declined to comment on pending litigation but reiterated the university’s commitment to preventing discrimination and harassment. “Creating a campus environment where every member of our community feels welcome, supported, and safe is fundamental to who we are as a university,” the spokesperson said. “Columbia is committed to protecting our community from discrimination and harassment, and responding promptly and appropriately when concerns arise.”
Khalil’s attorneys have not yet provided a response to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
Implications for Campus Free Speech
Khalil’s lawsuits bring renewed attention to tensions on college campuses surrounding protest activities and the treatment of students who advocate for controversial political causes. Columbia has previously faced scrutiny over its handling of pro‑Palestinian protests, and the current filings could prompt broader discussions about campus policies, student safety, and the intersection of immigration status with free‑speech rights.
For now, the lawsuits remain pending, and the outcomes may shape how universities respond to allegations of discrimination and how federal agencies handle detentions of non‑citizen students involved in political activism.