Columbia University suspends, expels dozens of students for anti-Israel protests

Columbia University in New York City says it has sanctioned students for a library takeover in May and a protest encampment in the spring of 2024.

During the library incident, anti-Israel activists invaded the university’s Butler Library as students were studying for final exams.

Columbia says in a statement that the sanctions include probation, suspensions ranging from one to three years, degree revocations and expulsions. The university says it does not comment on individual cases and does not announce the number of students who are being punished.

The Columbia alliance of anti-Israel protest groups, Columbia University Apartheid Divest, says nearly 80 students were suspended or expelled.

The punishments come as the university negotiates with the Trump administration, which has put heavy pressure on Columbia to rein in the protests.

The university had previously put more than 65 students on interim suspensions.

During the protest, Columbia called in police to clear the demonstrators from the building, resulting in 80 arrests.

Earlier this week, Columbia reformed its disciplinary policy, moving authority from the university senate to the provost’s office. Jewish Columbia community members hailed the move as a major step toward holding protesters accountable.

Last week, Columbia announced a series of measures to combat antisemitism on campus.