Students protest Columbia U’s acting president during commencement over actions against anti-Israel activists

Columbia University students shout at acting university president Claire Shipman during a graduation ceremony.

Students shout, “You arrested us,” at Shipman as she delivers a speech to Columbia College graduates, a video shows. Shipman called the police onto campus earlier this month after anti-Israel activists invaded a campus library.

Another clip from students booing acting President Claire Shipman
during the graduation ceremony for Columbia College Class of 2025.

Shipman couldn’t go five seconds without students’ chants, including demanding she get off the stage, drowning out her speech.

“You arrested… pic.twitter.com/8aAyHH0B7D

— Jessica Schwalb (@jessicaschwalb7) May 20, 2025

the columbia college class of 2025 is booing through the president's speech pic.twitter.com/DXK97bl8a9

— mj (@mollikajaisingh) May 20, 2025

The students at the ceremony also chant “Free Mahmoud,” referring to the campus protest leader Mahmoud Khalil, who was arrested by federal immigration agents.

LIVE: At @Columbia College commencement, the speech of acting president Claire Shipman is drowned out as graduates erupt into a “FREE MAHMOUD” chant. pic.twitter.com/EQ6yzxU7PO

— Jessica Schwalb (@jessicaschwalb7) May 20, 2025

The university’s main commencement ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow. Anti-Israel protest groups have vowed to disrupt the event.

Last year, the university’s commencement ceremony was canceled due to anti-Israel protests.