by A group of protesters opposing Israel set diplomas ablaze outside Columbia University’s 2025 graduation ceremony, demanding the release of former student Mahmoud Khalil.
The demonstration sparked clashes with police and heightened tensions on campus during the high-profile event.
What Happened
On May 21, 2025, shortly after Columbia University’s graduation ceremony, protesters wearing keffiyehs gathered outside the Ivy League campus.
Several individuals ripped up and burned diplomas placed in food trays near a sign demanding “Free Mahmoud Khalil.” The former student, arrested by immigration agents in March, is currently facing deportation efforts by the U.S. government.
Protesters chanted slogans such as “Free, free Palestine” and “You’re committing genocide,” accompanied by drumbeats despite rainy weather. The disturbance escalated when police intervened to extinguish the flames and made at least one arrest.
Key Details
- The protest included both current students and alumni, some with faces masked.
- Only one person burning diplomas wore a Columbia blue graduation robe.
- Clashes between demonstrators and NYPD occurred near Columbia’s main entrance, with protesters attempting to breach police barriers.
- Police followed the group as they moved along 116th Street toward the Hudson River.
- The Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD) group, with ties to Khalil, had encouraged students to participate in the protest.
Reactions or Statements
CUAD criticized Columbia for honoring Prof. Zvi Galil, former dean of Columbia and president of Tel Aviv University, labeling him a “war criminal” and accusing the university of ignoring the suffering of Palestinian children in Gaza. These claims were made on social media but lacked independent verification.
During Tuesday’s graduation, prior to the diploma burning, students heckled Acting University President Claire Shipman with chants demanding Khalil’s release, briefly disrupting the ceremony.
Investigation or What’s Next
Columbia University is facing increased pressure to address ongoing protests linked to the conflict in Gaza. The university previously experienced intense unrest, including violent takeovers of campus buildings and mass arrests.
Recent incidents have led Columbia’s administration to pledge a firmer stance on illegal protest activity. It remains unclear how the university will manage future demonstrations, especially as tensions around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict persist.
FAQs
Q: Who is Mahmoud Khalil?
A: Mahmoud Khalil is a former Columbia student arrested by immigration agents in March 2025 and currently facing deportation proceedings.
Q: What is the CUAD group?
A: Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD) is a student-led activist group advocating for Palestinian rights and university divestment from Israel.
Q: Why were diplomas burned?
A: Protesters burned diplomas as a symbolic act opposing the university’s recognition of figures connected to Israel and to highlight Khalil’s detention.
Q: How did Columbia University respond?
A: University officials have condemned illegal protests and increased security measures but have not issued a detailed public statement on the May 21 events.
Q: Were there arrests made during the protest?
A: Yes, the NYPD reported making at least one arrest during the diploma burning protest, with additional arrests linked to earlier campus unrest.
Summary / Final Takeaway
The diploma burning protest at Columbia University’s 2025 graduation underscores the heightened campus tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
As activists call for the release of Mahmoud Khalil and criticize university leadership, Columbia faces challenges balancing free speech with campus safety.
The administration’s response in the coming weeks will be pivotal in managing ongoing demonstrations.
