Palestinian students and staff sue Columbia University over discrimination

Palestinian students and staff sue Columbia University over discrimination Submitted by MEE staff on Wed, 08/12/2026 - 17:30 Lawsuit accuses the university of surveillance, biased disciplinary proceedings and failing to protect Palestinians A pro-Israel supporter (right) confronts people at a vigil and protest for Palestine outside of Columbia University in New York City, on 7 October 2025 (Adam Gray/Getty Images/AFP) Off A group of current and former Palestinian students and staff have sued Columbia University, accusing the Ivy League school of discriminating against Palestinians and targeting pro-Palestinian activism on campus. The lawsuit, filed in New York State Supreme Court this week, alleges that Columbia subjected Palestinian students, faculty and staff to unequal treatment following the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on 7 October 2023 and the ensuing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza perpetrated by Israel. According to the complaint , Columbia "actively participated in and amplified" what the plaintiffs describe as racially, ethnically and politically motivated targeting of Palestinians.