Columbia University Sanctions Students for Hamilton Hall Occupation During Pro-Palestinian Protests
Columbia University expels, suspends, and revokes degrees of students involved in Hamilton Hall occupation amid protests against Gaza war.
Columbia University said students who occupied the campus' Hamilton Hall during pro-Palestinian protests last spring have been expelled, suspended for several years or had their degrees temporarily revoked.
Columbia students who occupied Hamilton Hall in pro-Palestinian protest expelled, suspended
ABC News·7d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.The final sanctions announced Thursday followed a lengthy process that involved hearings for each student led by Columbia’s long-running Judicial Board.
Columbia University says it expelled some students who seized building last year
Associated Press·7d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.The culmination of the monthslong investigative process comes as the university's activist community is reeling from the arrest of a well-known campus activist, Mahmoud Khalil, by federal immigration authorities this past Saturday — the "first of many" such arrests, according to President Donald Trump.
Columbia: Expelled Some Students Who Seized Building Last Year
Newsmax·7d·Mixed ReliableThis source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.RightThis outlet favors right-wing views.
Summary
Columbia University has expelled or suspended students involved in the Hamilton Hall occupation during pro-Palestinian protests last spring. The university's Judicial Board evaluated behaviors leading to disciplinary actions, with some students facing expulsion and others having their degrees revoked. The sanctions come amid heightened scrutiny from the Trump administration, which has stripped over $400 million in federal funds over alleged failures to address campus antisemitism. The protests peaked in April 2024, resulting in police action and raising concerns about free speech and campus activism.
Perspectives
Columbia University sanctioned students involved in the Hamilton Hall occupation as part of a lengthy disciplinary process that considered the severity of their actions and prior behavior.
The decision to expel, suspend, or revoke diplomas of protesting students was made to uphold university conduct rules, while also reflecting the institution's need to address the concerns regarding campus antisemitism.
The situation has drawn significant attention, with some faculty members supporting the sanctions as a necessary step to reinforce university policies.