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
Chicago police: Woman randomly punched near Daley Plaza in the Loop while walking to work, victim speaks out; CPD investigating

Chicago Police Investigate Unprovoked Assault on Woman Near Daley Plaza; Victim Shares Her Experience

In CHICAGO, a woman recounted her harrowing experience of being unexpectedly struck…
Chicago Bears news: What's next for Bears stadium plans after Indiana lawmakers make push for Hammond site?

Chicago Bears Stadium Plans Under Scrutiny as Indiana Lawmakers Propose Hammond Site

In a race against the clock, Illinois lawmakers are under pressure to…
Officials working to recover bodies from deadly Lake Tahoe avalanche close all forest land and trails for next three weeks

Tragic Lake Tahoe Avalanche Prompts 3-Week Forest Closure: Recovery Efforts Underway

In the wake of a devastating avalanche near Lake Tahoe, recovery crews…
Clayton Dietz, accused of killing adoptive father hauled into court in handcuffs

Shocking Courtroom Drama: Clayton Dietz Faces Justice in Adoptive Father’s Murder Case

An 11-year-old, described as having a youthful appearance, faced the court in…
Lake Tahoe avalanche victims allegedly took most dangerous escape route

Lake Tahoe Avalanche Tragedy: Victims Reportedly Chose Riskiest Escape Route, Experts Say

Reports indicate that backcountry skiers involved in a massive avalanche near Lake…
Documents show Epstein received pitch for properties housing Pentagon, FBI tenants after 2008 conviction

Revealed: Epstein’s Shocking Post-Conviction Property Pitch to Pentagon and FBI

In a revealing email exchange from 2016, Jeffrey Epstein found himself entangled…
After Bari Weiss cancels UCLA talk, UC President vows to protect free expression

UC President Pledges Free Speech Protection After Bari Weiss Cancels UCLA Event

The University of California’s President, James Milliken, has pledged to uphold both…
Fourth measles case confirmed in LA county, community urged to take precautions

Urgent Alert: Fourth Measles Case Hits LA County – Essential Precautions You Need to Take Now!

A fourth instance of measles has surfaced in Los Angeles County, prompting…
Repeat offender labeled 'danger to the community' walks free after Biden autopen clemency

Serial Offender Released After Clemency Approval Sparks Community Concerns

In an unexpected turn of events, a repeat offender, once labeled by…
University of Texas System to restrict teaching 'unnecessarily controversial subjects'

University of Texas System Implements New Policy to Limit Teaching of Controversial Subjects

The Board of Regents for the University of Texas System has introduced…
Chicago Bears news today: Indiana lawmakers focus on Hammond as potential Bears stadium site

Indiana’s Bold Play: Hammond Emerges as Top Contender for New Chicago Bears Stadium

CHICAGO (WLS) — In a fresh development, the Chicago Bears have issued…
Trump rips Nancy Guthrie sheriff for revealing high-tech FBI 'sniffer' searching for her pacemaker

Trump Blasts Sheriff for Unveiling FBI’s High-Tech Search for Nancy Guthrie’s Pacemaker

On Thursday, President Trump criticized the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of…