A group of pro-Palestinian activists has filed a federal lawsuit against Columbia University, accusing the prestigious Ivy League school of failing to protect them from harassment on campus. The lawsuit claims that it is actually the anti-Israel protesters who are facing discrimination and threats, not the other way around.
According to the complaint, Jewish community leaders and students at Columbia have reported feeling unsafe due to hundreds of protesters camping out on the university’s lawn. The lawsuit calls for an investigation into the university’s handling of alleged discrimination and harassment of pro-Palestinian students, alleging that they have been targeted with extreme anti-Palestinian, anti-Arab, and Islamophobic harassment, including death threats and discriminatory language.
The pro-Palestinian students, along with the group Students for Justice in Palestine, are portrayed as the real victims in the lawsuit, claiming that Columbia President Minouche Shafik has treated them differently and has failed to address the harassment effectively. Despite Columbia’s deadline for eviction passing twice, pro-Palestine student protesters continue to camp out on campus.
In response to the allegations, Columbia has declined to comment on the lawsuit. Meanwhile, Palestine Legal and the New York City Liberties Union have also filed suits against the university for the alleged unlawful suspension of student groups engaged in peaceful protests. The Department of Education has not responded to requests for comments on the matter.
As the legal battle unfolds, tensions are high on Columbia’s campus as both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli groups continue to clash over their differing views on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Stay tuned to Poh Diaries for updates on this developing story.
