Students heckle Columbia acting president at graduation, shout 'Free Mahmoud'
Share this @internewscast.com

During Columbia University’s graduation ceremony in New York City on Tuesday morning, students interrupted by shouting, “Free Mahmoud!” as Acting University President Claire Shipman was speaking.

Shipman was immediately met with boos when she stepped up to the podium to speak during the Columbia College Class Day ceremony.

As Shipman attempted to address the gathering, she was met with continued heckling from the crowd. She intended to highlight the challenges and changes the class had endured, noting their resilience.

Despite interruptions, Shipman remarked, “You’ve shown remarkable adaptability and resilience during rapidly changing times, demonstrating deep care for the world and its people,” persisting through repeated disruptions to her speech.

Anti-Semitic protesters occupy a building on the campus of Columbia University

A mob of protesters showed up at the library as students were studying for finals, reportedly to rally support for Khalil. They also continued to demand the university divest from Israel. (Sam Nahins)

Columbia’s acting president said at the time that she went to the library “as the events were unfolding” and was disappointed with what she saw, including one Columbia public safety officer being wheeled out on a gurney and another being treated for injuries.

Shipman also said the reading room at the library was “defaced and damaged in disturbing ways and with disturbing slogans.”

“Violence and vandalism, hijacking a library—none of that has any place on our campus. These aren’t Columbia’s values,” she said.

Shipman, who took over in March following the resignation of the former president and the stepping down of the subsequent interim president, said this behavior will not be tolerated at Columbia.

Tuesday’s heckling also comes a day after Columbia student Mohsen Mahdawi was allowed to walk across a graduation stage and receive his degree from the Ivy League school.

The 34-year-old activist, draped in a keffiyeh, smiled as he took the stage.

Court documents show Mahdawi was investigated twice in 2015 and 2016 for disturbing and antisemitic comments. In the documents, police allege that Mahdawi told a man, “I like to kill Jews.” In another incident, police allege he said he “used to build modified 9mm submachine guns to kill Jews while he was in Palestine.”

Fox News Digital’s Elizabeth Pritchett contributed to this report.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
'The Office' actor Craig Robinson reveals he's quitting comedy to 'focus on my true calling'

‘The Office’ Star Craig Robinson Announces Shift Away from Comedy to Pursue ‘My True Passion’

Is this a joke? Comedian Craig Robinson, best known for his role…
James McMurdock, Reform UK MP, at the House of Commons.

Reform MP James McMurdock Takes Leave from Party Due to ‘Business Conduct During Pandemic’ Concerns

REFORM MP James McMurdock has voluntarily removed the party whip from himself.…
How to prepare for a hurricane, as forecasters expect a busy 2025 storm season

Steps to Get Ready for an Active Hurricane Season in 2025

HOUSTON (AP) — For the millions of Americans residing in coastal regions,…
Authorities: Girl fell through porthole after losing balance on Disney ship

Officials Report: Young Girl Loses Balance and Falls Through Porthole on Disney Cruise

Security footage aligns with statements from the family and cruise staff after…
How people are celebrating, protesting and traveling for July Fourth

Celebrating, Speaking Out, and Traveling: How People Are Engaging This Fourth of July

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Recent polls indicate a decline in national pride…
Suzanne Morphew photo.

Chilling Insights into Suzanne Morphew’s Case Before Her Body Was Discovered in ‘The Boneyard’

DISTURBING details about what happened to Suzanne Morphew’s body have come to…
'This Is Spinal Tap' director Rob Reiner reflects on cult classic's success 41 years later

Director Rob Reiner reminisces on the enduring success of ‘This Is Spinal Tap’ 41 years after its release

“This is Spinal Tap” director, Rob Reiner, reflected on how misunderstood the…
LL Cool J says he won't perform at Philadelphia's July Fourth festival in support of workers strike

LL Cool J Backs Workers Strike, Cancels Performance at Philadelphia’s July Fourth Festival

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Rapper LL Cool J has announced he will not…
2026 Senate election candidates Juliana Stratton, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Robin Kelly show out for 4th of July parade festivities

2026 Senate Election: Juliana Stratton, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Robin Kelly Shine in Independence Day Parade Celebrations

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Fourth of July means parades in many communities.…
3 Brooks Middle School employees fired over alleged misconduct, Valley View Community Unit School District 365-U says

Five People, Including Three Children, Hospitalized After Logan Square Fire and Stabbing Incident on West Palmer Street

CHICAGO (WLS) — A stabbing and fire incident on the Northwest Side…
Diogo Jota's wife Rute Cardoso helps carry coffin at funeral

Rute Cardoso Assists in Carrying Coffin at Funeral of Diogo Jota’s Loved One

The widow of the late Portuguese footballer Diogo Jota was visibly distraught…

Stitched with Honor: Flag Manufacturer Prepares for Nation’s 250th Anniversary Celebration

Kansas City, MO – As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary…