During Columbia University's graduation ceremony, acting President Claire Shipman acknowledged Mahmoud Khalil, an ex-grad student arrested by ICE. This remark, made in front of a 37,000-strong audience, spurred chants for Khalil, but also discontent among some students who felt it was inappropriate to mention him over more pressing issues like the deaths of hostages. Shipman's comments emphasized the right to free speech for international students, reflecting the university's stance amidst political turmoil surrounding Khalil's anti-Israel activism and alleged affiliations with Hamas.
We firmly believe that our international students have the same rights to freedom of speech as everyone else, and they should not be targeted by the government for exercising their right.
I know many in our community are mourning the absence of our graduate, Mahmoud Khalil.
'Mourning?' Is he dead? What about the hostages who are dead? We should be mourning them.'
Collection
[
|
...
]