Pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil has filed a federal lawsuit against Columbia University, alleging the institution showed deliberate indifference to harassment directed at him and members of a pro-Palestinian campus organization. The civil rights complaint, filed in New York City federal court on Monday, claims Columbia’s inaction contributed to the doxing of multiple students and Khalil’s subsequent detention by immigration agents.
The lawsuit asserts that Columbia’s response to reported harassment amounted to retaliation against Khalil and the group. Khalil, a former graduate student at Columbia, previously took legal action in 2024 to prevent the release of student records to a congressional committee. His attorneys argue that the university’s failure to address harassment created an unsafe environment, culminating in his arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at his campus apartment in March 2025.
Columbia University responded in a statement that it is committed to protecting its community from discrimination and harassment, emphasizing its goal of fostering an inclusive campus environment. The institution declined to comment directly on the litigation.
Background and Key Events
Khalil gained prominence as a spokesperson for student activists protesting Israel’s actions in Gaza. His detention by ICE occurred amid a broader Trump administration crackdown on pro-Palestinian demonstrators, during which he spent 104 days in a Louisiana immigration detention facility. Khalil missed the birth of his first child while incarcerated, and his deportation case remains pending.
The lawsuit further alleges that Columbia refused to correct disinformation about Khalil while he was detained, allowing what his legal team describes as a false narrative to circulate. Khalil’s attorneys contend that the university’s inaction exacerbated the harassment he and others faced, violating their civil rights.
Legal and Institutional Context
The complaint frames Columbia’s alleged failures as a violation of federal civil rights protections, arguing that the university’s policies and practices failed to safeguard students from targeted abuse. Khalil’s legal team is seeking unspecified damages, as well as policy changes to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Columbia has not publicly detailed any internal investigations or disciplinary actions related to the allegations. The university’s statement reiterated its commitment to promptly addressing concerns when they arise, though it did not address the specific claims in the lawsuit.
Ongoing Developments
This lawsuit represents the latest legal challenge involving Khalil and Columbia, following his prior efforts to block the release of student records. The case is ongoing, with no immediate court hearings scheduled as of the filing date. Further updates are expected as legal proceedings advance.