Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and a negotiator during Columbia University’s pro-Palestine encampment, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers on March 8 despite his status as a lawful permanent resident.
A Wednesday executive order titled “Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism” cited two sections of the U.S. federal code concerning conspiracy against civil rights and immigration restrictions on the basis of terrorism.
At a press briefing, Mamayan Jabateh, formerly identified by UCUP as “Student B.,” spoke about their arrest by CPD in December. UCUP did not offer reporters the chance to ask questions during the event.
Faculty & Staff for Justice in Palestine organized the rally, which took place outside Stuart Hall while University President Paul Alivisatos and Provost Katherine Baicker met with the Council of the University Senate.
Around 40 protesters briefly rallied outside Harper Memorial Library before delivering a petition with over 1,500 signatures to the Office of the Dean of Students in the College, calling for the reversal of a student’s involuntary leave of absence.
The student, who has not been identified publicly, was placed on involuntary leave and removed from University housing on October 21, according to his lawyer.
The Maroon captured scenes throughout the protest, from the end of the quad rally to when demonstrators dispersed from the area between Ratner Athletic Center and the Court Theatre.
A pro-Palestine rally saw three protesters arrested and physical altercations between protesters and officers. Earlier, protesters locked Cobb Gate using a bike lock, and multiple police officers used pepper spray and batons. Protesters damaged UCPD vehicles and kicked at least one officer.
Missed the memo on UChicago student activism around the war in Gaza? Quickly catch up with this timeline of all the events in the past year and their historical contexts.
Although all of the students received their degrees, some students and professors have alleged misconduct by the University throughout the proceedings.
