Students heckle Columbia acting president at graduation, shout 'Free Mahmoud'
Share and Follow

Students interrupted Columbia University’s graduation ceremony in New York City on Tuesday morning by heckling Acting University President Claire Shipman and shouting, “Free Mahmoud!”

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

The crowd continued to heckle Shipman as she spoke about the class facing more trials and hardships than it deserved while proving that it can adapt as things shift quickly.

“You’ve proven that you can adapt as things shift quickly… that you are uncommonly resilient… and that you care profoundly about the world and the people in it,” she said, having to restart her sentence several times.

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 and Follow
You May Also Like
Alex Pretti shooting Minneapolis: Comparisons drawn between Pretti, Kyle Rittenhouse in renewed Second Amendment debate

Minneapolis Shooting Involving Alex Pretti Sparks Renewed Second Amendment Debate with Comparisons to Kyle Rittenhouse

The recent fatal shooting of a man by a Border Patrol agent…
In this image provided by the City of Oxford, Miss., snow and ice cover trees and streets as a winter storm passes through, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, in Oxford, Miss. (Josh McCoy/City of Oxford, Miss. via AP)

Frigid Conditions Persist: Southern States Brace for More Arctic Air Amid Ice and Power Challenges

When a powerful winter storm swept across the Northeast and parts of…
Minnesota anti-ICE agitators swarm, confront federal agents during enforcement operations

CEO Raises Concerns Over Funding of Anti-ICE Groups, Citing Risks to Law Enforcement Safety

Violent clashes involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minnesota are…
EMMA FORBES: The 19 tweaks I made to feel fitter at 60 than at 40

Emma Forbes Reveals Her Top 19 Secrets to Feeling Fitter at 60 Than Ever Before

At the dawn of 2026, renowned presenter Emma Forbes shared an inspiring…
FILE - Oren and Tal Alexander speak at a panel at the Rockstars of Real Estate Event, Sept. 3, 2013 in New York. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Invision for DETAILS Magazine/AP Images, File)

Prosecutor Reveals ‘Playbook’ Used by Real Estate Agents and Brother in Alleged Sexual Assault Scheme

NEW YORK (AP) — In a compelling opening statement on Tuesday, a…
Rams’ 2025 season ends in NFC Championship heartbreak

Rams Fall Short in Thrilling 2025 NFC Championship Battle

Kobie Turner stood tall and composed at his locker, a picture of…
Jacksonville woman arrested after allegedly punching trooper during ICE confrontation, Florida AG says

Jacksonville Woman Released from Federal Custody After Allegedly Assaulting State Trooper

A Jacksonville woman, Jennifer Cruz, is facing allegations of assaulting a Florida…
Deadly bat-borne virus sparks pandemic fears - what you need to know

Unveiling the Truth: How a Bat-Borne Virus is Fueling Global Pandemic Concerns

A recent virus outbreak in India is stoking new fears of a…