Columbia University President Clareshipman faced boos during her commencement address to the class of 2025 on Wednesday.
During her speech, a graduate shouted out in protest regarding the detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a green cardholder and graduate student, in Louisiana after he expressed support for Palestine amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
“I understand that some of you are feeling frustrated with me, and I recognize that sentiment exists in the administration,” Shipman acknowledged to the audience, which was gathered in the rain.
“We have a strong tradition of free speech at this university, and I’m always open to feedback. I’m receiving it now,” she added as attendees continued to jeer.
Earlier that week, the university had issued warnings, reminding attendees to follow the institution’s conduct policies and anti-discrimination standards.
“We firmly believe that international students should have the same rights to free speech as everyone else. They shouldn’t be targeted by the government for exercising that right,” Shipman continued.
“I want to acknowledge that many in our community are feeling the absence of Mahmoud Khalil today,” she added.
Despite the university’s guidelines, attendees rallied, chanting “Free Mahmoud” while waving Palestinian flags and wearing kefiyahs to show their support for Khalil’s release.
Khalil was taken into custody by immigration and customs enforcement on March 8th, far away from his pregnant wife, who was unaware of where his lawyers were regarding legal action.
While in custody, Khalil’s first child was born, and he wrote to his son from behind bars, reflecting on the significance of the moment and the impact of the U.S. government’s actions.
“I think in here, I’ll contemplate the vastness of your birth, and under the whims of the U.S. government, many more firsts will be sacrificed,” he wrote.
On Wednesday, Khalil’s lawyers appealed for him to be allowed physical contact with his wife and their newborn son.
In her address, Shipman also shared her experiences as a journalist in Moscow, discussing the increasing censorship and lack of open forums for free expression.
“The censorship was rising. You couldn’t say what you wanted, just like the rights people have here,” Shipman noted.
Khalil is among several students from various universities currently engaged in a legal struggle after speaking out against Israel’s role in the Gaza conflict.
