Graduation Day Uproar: Columbia Students Boo President in Protest

Columbia University Graduation Ceremony Disrupted by "Free Mahmoud" Chants Columbia University's 2025 commencement ceremony took an unexpected turn when graduating students loudly protested the detention of fellow student Mahmoud Khalil. Khalil, detained in March by US immigration officials, has become a symbol of student activism on campus. The chants of "Free Mahmoud" echoed through the ceremony, interrupting President Lee Bollinger's address. One student, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, "We won't stand idly by while our fellow student is unjustly detained." Bollinger, while visibly affected, attempted to continue his speech, but the chants persisted, highlighting the deep divisions on campus and the ongoing debate surrounding free speech and immigration policies. The protest underscores the growing student activism on college campuses concerning social and political issues. Khalil's detention sparked widespread concern among students and faculty, leading to numerous rallies and protests in the preceding months. While the university has not commented directly on the protest, the incident raises questions about the balance between maintaining order at a graduation ceremony and respecting students' right to express their views. The event serves as a reminder of the power of student voices and the ongoing challenges faced by activists in the US. The university's response to this protest and the future of Mahmoud Khalil's case remain to be seen, but the incident has undoubtedly left a lasting mark on the 2025 graduation.