Columbia University sued by Palestinian students and staff over discrimination claims

A group of current and former Palestinian students and staff have filed a lawsuit against Columbia University in the New York State Supreme Court, alleging the institution has fostered a hostile and discriminatory environment since late 2023.

The plaintiffs, which include a professor and several students, claim the university failed to protect Palestinian community members from harassment and instead targeted them through “unfair and biased disciplinary hearings.” The lawsuit specifically highlights the university’s Office of Institutional Equity, alleging it has disproportionately investigated Palestinian individuals for activities such as participating in pro-Palestinian protests or wearing the Kufiya.

The complaint argues that the university relies on the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which the plaintiffs contend fails to distinguish between legitimate criticism of Israel and antisemitism. This legal action follows previous controversies, including a May 2025 incident where over 65 students were suspended for a library occupation, and a $200 million settlement with the U.S. government to resolve federal probes regarding the protection of Jewish students.