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Columbia Investigates, GWU Bans Graduate, Harvard Sued as U.S. Universities Face Backlash Over Israel Criticism Amid Gaza Conflict

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Published May 22, 2025, 02:55 PM

Several U.S. universities are facing scrutiny and controversy over their handling of students who have expressed criticism of Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Columbia University continues to investigate student journalists covering pro-Palestine protests, while an Orthodox Jewish graduate reported being removed from the school newspaper after speaking out post-October 7. George Washington University (GWU) apologized after a graduation speaker criticized Israel during commencement and subsequently banned the graduate from campus.

Harvard Divinity School is also under criticism following a lawsuit filed by Shabbos Kestenbaum, a former student who alleged harassment, threats, and institutional silence in response to rising antisemitism after October 7. The situation has made college commencements a flashpoint, with protests planned, including one at Brooklyn College’s commencement at Barclays Center, highlighting accusations of complicity by CUNY and Barclays. These developments reflect heightened tensions on campuses regarding free speech, antisemitism, and responses to the Gaza conflict.

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#Israel #Gaza #Columbia University #Palestine #Orthodox Jewish #George Washington University #GWU #Harvard Divinity School #Shabbos Kestenbaum #Brooklyn College #Barclays Center #CUNY #Barclays #Gaza conflict

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Sources

timesofisrael.com forward.com justthenews.com forbes.com

Rep. Wesley Hunt Press Office

@RepWPH

SHOCKING: Orthodox Jewish Columbia grad reveals she was KICKED OFF the school newspaper for speaking out after October 7th. They’re not just ignoring anti-Semitism—they’re silencing anyone who dares to expose it. This is academic tyranny, plain and simple. https://t.co/QOuPpWqedZ

The Times of Israel

@TimesofIsrael

US university bans student for commencement speech calling to divest from Israel https://t.co/14K2oSvI3s

Within Our Lifetime

@WOLPalestine

🚨ALL OUT FOR PALESTINE🚨 THERE ARE NO SCHOOLS LEFT IN GAZA‼️ WE WILL NOT CELEBRATE GRADUATION‼️AS BROOKLYN COLLEGE COMMENCEMENT TAKES PLACE AT BARCLAYS CENTER, WE WILL PROTEST CUNY’S AND BARCLAYS’ COMPLICITY‼️ 🗓️ Friday 5/23 📍Barclays Center ⏰ 11:00 AM https://t.co/4VmiCfZSAG

Columbia Investigates, GWU Bans Graduate, Harvard Sued as U.S. Universities Face Backlash Over Israel Criticism Amid Gaza Conflict

Related Prediction Markets

Harvard international students ban ended before August?

Will the U.S. take over Gaza before July?

Sources

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