Palestinian students and staff sue Columbia University over discrimination

A group of current and former Palestinian students, faculty, and alumni filed a lawsuit against Columbia University in New York County court on Monday. The plaintiffs allege that the university fostered a hostile campus climate and engaged in discriminatory practices against Palestinians, specifically citing the targeting of pro-Palestinian activism following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks on Israel.

The legal action accuses the Ivy League institution of conducting biased disciplinary proceedings and utilizing surveillance against those involved in pro-Palestinian advocacy. The lawsuit further contends that the university failed to adequately protect Palestinian members of its community from discrimination during a period of heightened campus tension.