Mahmoud Khalil sues Columbia University over discrimination against Palestinian students

September 15, 2026 at 04:14 PM2 min

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Pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil filed a lawsuit against Columbia University and a dean on Monday, alleging institutional racism and discrimination against Palestinian students. The suit, joined by the Palestine Working Group and its president, seeks to end the group's suspension and restore Khalil's campus access. The filing comes after a federal judge ruled against Khalil's deportation, finding the Trump administration violated international students' constitutional rights.

Key Facts

Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and green card holder, was arrested by ICE in March 2025 and detained for 104 days before his release in June 2025.
The lawsuit names Columbia University and Keren Yarhi-Milo, dean of the School of International and Public Affairs, as defendants.
The Palestine Working Group was suspended indefinitely by Columbia in 2025, and Khalil has been denied campus access.
A federal judge ruled late last month that the Trump administration violated the constitutional rights of international students when it sought to deport them for criticizing Israel's war on Gaza.
Khalil led the 2024 encampment protest at Columbia against Israel's war on Gaza, which sparked similar protests across the US and other countries.

Lawsuit Allegations

Khalil alleges Columbia University and Dean Keren Yarhi-Milo engaged in institutional racism and discrimination against Palestinian students. He claims Columbia laid the groundwork for his targeting by the Trump administration through deliberate indifference and discrimination aimed at intimidating Palestinian students. The lawsuit alleges Columbia violated the plaintiffs' civil rights and allowed a hostile environment to develop against Palestinian students. Khalil said officials prioritized the protection and well-being of a subset of students while ignoring the concerns and pleas of Palestinian students.

Plaintiffs and Demands

The lawsuit is brought by Mahmoud Khalil, the Palestine Working Group, and its president Mohammad Zubairi. The plaintiffs seek an end to the suspension of the Palestine Working Group and restoration of Khalil's campus access. The Palestine Working Group was suspended indefinitely by Columbia in 2025 after being part of the broader movement behind the protests and occupation of Hamilton Hall in late 2024. Columbia has denied Khalil access to campus, citing public safety concerns.

Background and Legal Context

Khalil was arrested by ICE in March 2025 and detained for 104 days before his release in June 2025. His arrest was recorded by his wife, a US citizen who was eight months pregnant at the time. A federal judge ruled late last month that the Trump administration violated the constitutional rights of international students when it sought to punish them for criticizing Israel's war on Gaza. The 2024 encampment protests at Columbia sparked similar demonstrations across the US and other countries, with thousands of students arrested.