Elham Asaad Buaras
Two of America’s top universities are facing major lawsuits over allegations that they suppressed pro-Palestinian student activism, in cases that could reshape free speech on campuses across the United States.
A federal court in New York ruled on March 19, that a lawsuit against Columbia University and the Trump administration can proceed. Student activist Mahmoud Khalil and seven others claim that Columbia collaborated with federal officials to target students critical of Israel, potentially violating their First Amendment rights.
The court said if the students’ allegations are proven, both the federal government and Columbia could be held responsible for trying to “punish and intimidate” pro-Palestinian students. Lawyers will now be able to request internal communications between White House officials, Congress members, and senior university staff, documents that have never before been made public.
At the centre of the case is Columbia’s use of the controversial IHRA definition of antisemitism, which plaintiffs say has been misused to limit criticism of Israel, particularly following the Gaza conflict. The students also challenge attempts by Congress to obtain their personal records, which they claim were designed to silence activists. A court order blocking Columbia from releasing student names to lawmakers will remain in effect as the case continues.
Plaintiffs described a campus climate where disciplinary actions were used to “scare students into silence,” and said sharing their records led to harassment. Khalil accused the university’s trustees of prioritising political loyalty over student rights, calling for the IHRA definition to be scrapped and students compensated.
Meanwhile, in Michigan, a separate lawsuit has been allowed to move forward after a court ruling on March 20, against the University of Michigan. Students and the organisation Students Allied for Freedom and Equality (SAFE) allege the university punished them for nonviolent, pro-Palestinian expression and suspended SAFE, the only campus group advocating for Palestinian rights.
The court confirmed the students’ claims were serious enough to proceed, including allegations of viewpoint discrimination and violations of the First Amendment. Advocates say the suspension of SAFE has silenced a key platform for student debate and advocacy.
Both cases highlight wider tensions over free speech at US universities, where lawmakers have been accused of using funding threats to pressure schools into policing political activism. Legal experts say the outcomes could set a precedent for whether American universities can restrict political speech, or whether constitutional protections will ultimately prevail.
The lawsuits are now moving into the discovery phase, where both sides will uncover evidence of any coordination between government officials and university leaders.
Feature photo: Mahmoud Khalil addresses supporters in New York following his release from ICE detention. He is a plaintiff in a lawsuit alleging Columbia University and federal officials targeted pro-Palestinian student activists in violation of free speech protections. (Credit: Selçuk Acar/AA)
