Columbia suspends over 65 students following pro-Palestinian protest in library

Columbia University suspends students and alumni involved in pro-Palestinian library protest, facing disciplinary actions and potential deportation.

Columbia University has suspended dozens of students and barred alumni and others who participated in a pro-Palestinian demonstration inside the school's main library earlier this week, a school spokesperson said Friday (May 9, 2025).

The Ivy League institution in Manhattan placed more than 65 students on interim suspension and barred 33 others, including those from affiliated institutions such as Barnard College, from setting foot on campus.

Interim suspension generally means that a student cannot come to campus, attend classes or participate in other university activities, according to Columbia's website. The university declined to say how long the disciplinary measures would be in place, saying only that the decisions are pending further investigation.

An undisclosed number of alums who also participated in the protest are also now prevented from entering school grounds, according to Columbia.

Roughly 80 people were arrested in connection with the Wednesday (May 7, 2025) evening demonstration at the university's Butler Library. Most face trespassing charges, though some may also face disorderly conduct, police have said.

The mask-clad protesters pushed their way past campus security officers, raced into the building and hung Palestinian flags and other banners on bookshelves. Some protesters also scrawled phrases on library furniture and picture frames, including “Columbia will burn."

New York City police in helmets and other protection broke up the demonstration at the request of university officials, who denounced the protests as an “outrageous” disruption for students studying and preparing for final exams.