Columbia University has cracked down on students who took over a campus building during anti-Israel protests last year. The school expelled some students, suspended others, and even revoked degrees. This comes after federal agents arrested a protest leader named Mahmoud Khalil, who faces deportation for spreading pro-Hamas messages.
The Trump administration slashed $400 million in funding to Columbia over claims the school allowed antisemitism to flourish. A federal task force will visit Columbia and other colleges to investigate hate speech. Jewish leaders praised the expulsions, calling it a first step toward fixing the school’s culture.
Khalil, a Syrian immigrant, helped lead protests where activists handed out Hamas materials. Supporting terrorist groups violates U.S. immigration laws, and the White House says that’s why he’s being deported. His supporters claim he’s being targeted for free speech, but conservatives argue he broke clear rules.
Republicans in Congress have demanded Columbia turn over records about anti-Israel protests. They say the school ignored harassment of Jewish students for too long. A lawsuit filed by Khalil and others tries to block Congress from getting those documents. Critics call this move an attempt to hide the truth.
Protests erupted in New York after Khalil’s arrest. Activists stormed Trump Tower demanding his release. More demonstrations are planned outside Columbia’s gates this week. Conservative commentators say these protests aren’t about peace—they’re about supporting terrorism.
Foreign money from places like Qatar has flooded Columbia, funding anti-Israel courses and professors. One teacher celebrated Hamas’ October 7th attacks and still teaches about Zionism. Experts warn this foreign influence has poisoned campuses for decades, spreading lies about Israel.
The Trump administration’s funding cuts send a message: schools enabling antisemitism won’t get taxpayer dollars. Conservatives argue universities must enforce rules equally. If students on visas break laws, they should face consequences—no special treatment for anti-West activists.
America welcomed Khalil as a guest, but he abused that privilege. Conservatives say deporting him protects free speech by stopping those who exploit it to spread hate. They urge schools to focus on education, not activism, and put America’s safety first.
