ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The U.S. Justice Department has initiated a federal investigation into the recent pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University, focusing on potential violations of terrorism laws. This marks a significant escalation in the scrutiny of campus activism related to the Gaza conflict.
Investigation Targets Columbia University Protests
On Friday, the U.S. Justice Department confirmed the investigation, which comes amid growing concerns about the political activism surrounding the Gaza conflict. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the investigation was part of a broader initiative by President Donald Trump’s administration to combat antisemitism. Blanche emphasized that the investigation was a necessary response to what he described as the administration’s ongoing efforts to address “long-standing inaction” on these matters.
The decision has sparked backlash from civil rights groups, who argue that the protests, which advocate for Palestinian rights and criticize Israeli policies, are protected under the First Amendment, ensuring freedom of speech. Critics view the move as an overreach that threatens the right to free expression on college campuses.
Federal Pressure on Columbia University
The federal investigation is paired with increasing pressure on Columbia University. The Trump administration has suspended $400 million in federal funding to the university, demanding several changes to the institution’s policies. These include a formal definition of antisemitism, a ban on face coverings intended to conceal identities during protests, and external oversight of the university’s Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies departments.
Additionally, the administration is pushing for reforms to the university’s admissions and international recruitment policies, although specifics have not been disclosed. Federal authorities have also conducted searches in two dormitory rooms at Columbia’s campus, though no arrests or seizures were made.
Concerns Over Immigration Enforcement
There have also been reports of federal agents being seen near student housing, raising concerns about potential immigration enforcement actions. Last week, immigration officials detained Mahmoud Khalil, a key organizer of previous Columbia protests, in an attempt to deport him. This action is currently being challenged in court.
Broader Federal Crackdown on University Policies
This investigation is part of a broader federal crackdown on what the Trump administration claims is an environment of hostility toward Jewish students at U.S. universities. The Department of Education has already launched investigations into 60 universities over allegations of antisemitism, while also reviewing 45 institutions for their diversity programs, which the administration argues may violate civil rights laws.
Student Protests and Columbia’s Response
Student protests at Columbia gained significant momentum following the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023 and the subsequent military actions in Gaza. Demonstrators have called for the university to divest from Israeli-linked investments and for the U.S. government to cease military aid to Israel. Columbia University has faced criticism from the Trump administration for what it views as insufficient action in response to these protests, including a prolonged occupation of a campus building by activists.
In response, Columbia has initiated disciplinary actions against students involved in last year’s protests, though the university has not disclosed the number of students affected. The institution stated that it is reviewing the federal government’s letter and reaffirmed its commitment to academic freedom while addressing all forms of discrimination on campus.
Legal and Civil Rights Concerns
Brian Hauss, a senior attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union and part of Khalil’s legal team, has denounced the federal investigation as an overreach. “The First Amendment does not provide grounds to conflate pro-Palestinian activism with support for Hamas,” Hauss said, expressing concerns about the potential chilling effect on political expression.
Protests against the federal government’s intervention have continued outside Columbia’s main gate. “The government shouldn’t dictate what universities can teach or who they can admit,” said Demetri, a graduate student at Columbia. “This is a dangerous precedent.”
