Protest Erupts at Columbia Graduation: Students Demand Release of Detained Palestinian Student

Columbia University Graduation Speech Disrupted by "Free Mahmoud" Chants Columbia University President Claire Shipman faced significant disruption during her commencement address on May 20th, 2025. As she spoke, a portion of the graduating class and their guests began chanting "Free Mahmoud," a reference to Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student currently detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The protest, which occurred on the university campus in New York City, highlighted ongoing tensions surrounding Khalil's detention and campus activism. "It was shocking," said one graduating student who wished to remain anonymous. "The chants started subtly, but quickly escalated, drowning out President Shipman's speech." The video footage clearly shows the growing unrest in the audience, with many students and attendees openly expressing their disapproval. The university has not yet released an official statement regarding the protest or Khalil's detention. However, the incident underscores the deep concerns among students about immigration policies and their impact on the university community. The protest serves as a powerful visual representation of student activism and the ongoing debate surrounding immigration issues in the United States. The peaceful nature of the protest, despite the disruption, highlights the students’ commitment to expressing their views while respecting the overall event. Moving forward, the incident raises important questions about the balance between free speech and the smooth conduct of university events.