Columbia University’s acting president has now faced a massive chorus of boos from this year’s graduating class for the second day in a row, receiving a particular wave of anger on Wednesday while noting the absence of Mahmoud Khalil — a student who would have graduated this week if federal immigration agents had not detained him for peacefully protesting on campus against Israel’s ongoing destruction of Gaza.
Upon stepping to the lectern Tuesday to deliver her graduation speech, acting President Claire Shipman was met with at least a full minute of boos and loud jeering.
“Good morning, Class of 2025. I know that many of you feel some amount of frustration with me, and I know you feel it with the administration,” Shipman said to more boos, captured in videos circulating social media.
“And I know that we have a strong, strong tradition of free speech at this university,” she continued while gesturing to the students. “And I am always open to feedback, which I am getting right now.”
Later in her Tuesday speech, the crowd began chanting “Free Mahmoud,” in reference to the Syrian-born Palestinian who was one of many students and faculty targeted by Columbia for their activism during last year’s nationwide protests against the U.S.-supported war in Gaza. The university faced particular backlash for violently responding to students by bringing New York police on campus to quell the demonstrations, which Khalil helped organize.
