Palestinian-American activist Mahmoud Khalil, alongside other pro-Palestinian student advocates, has initiated legal proceedings against Columbia University, accusing the institution of neglecting its duty to shield students from persistent harassment related to their activism. The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Manhattan on Monday.

The complaint asserts that Columbia University violated U.S. civil rights laws by inadequately addressing threats, doxxing, and other harassment aimed at students due to their perceived Arab or Muslim identities or their support for Palestinian rights. Khalil gained national attention during the Trump administration when immigration authorities detained him in March 2025 at his university residence entrance, despite his lawful permanent resident status and absence of criminal charges.

In addition to Khalil, the lawsuit includes the SIPA Palestine Working Group and its president, Mohammad Zubairi. The plaintiffs contend that the university was aware of widespread hostility toward pro-Palestinian students but failed to implement effective protective measures.

At a press conference held on Columbia’s campus to announce the lawsuit, Khalil accused the university of fostering what he described as “institutionalized anti-Palestinian bigotry” that has become deeply rooted within the institution. He further criticized the university’s board of trustees for endorsing this environment.

Meanwhile, Columbia continues to face challenges amid ongoing tensions related to protests over the Gaza conflict. Notably, a major pedestrian pathway through the campus has remained closed for nearly three years as the university balances security concerns with demands for a return to normal campus activities and greater openness.

“We are pursuing this lawsuit because no student, regardless of their background, should endure the ordeal that Columbia subjected us to over all these years,” Khalil stated.

Columbia University declined to comment directly on the lawsuit but emphasized its commitment to fostering a campus atmosphere where all community members feel welcomed, supported, and safe, describing this as a fundamental responsibility.

The lawsuit details that Khalil began reporting incidents of harassment during the spring semester of 2023, months before the outbreak of war in Gaza. Instead of investigating these complaints, the university allegedly labeled pro-Palestinian protests as “security risks” and amended its policies to discipline any on-campus criticism of Israel’s military or government actions.

The complaint further states, “The defendants’ failure to address legitimate reports of ongoing harassment and violence against Mr. Khalil, Mr. Zubairi, and other PWG members, coupled with retaliatory measures taken in response, exposed PWG members to potential violence and caused sustained harm.” The protests deeply divided the university community, with some expressing support for the demonstrators while others felt unsafe or viewed certain activities as antisemitic.

These events sparked solidarity encampments on numerous college campuses nationwide and contributed to the resignation of Columbia’s president.

Khalil, an Algerian citizen born in a Palestinian refugee camp in Syria, spent 104 days in a Louisiana jail following his arrest, missing the birth of his first child before being released on bail. He currently faces possible deportation after a federal appeals court in Philadelphia ruled that a district court judge lacked jurisdiction to order his release last year.

SIPA refers to Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs, where Khalil was a graduate student. Earlier, in March 2025, shortly after his arrest, Khalil filed a separate lawsuit against Columbia challenging the university’s disclosure of student disciplinary records to a House of Representatives committee.