Columbia University’s graduation ceremony when the institution’s acting president was loudly booed by sections of the crowd during the commencement speech. The event quickly drew national attention as students and attendees interrupted the address with chants of “Free Mahmoud,” turning what was meant to be a celebratory occasion into a reflection of ongoing campus unrest.
The incident highlights the deep divisions currently present on U.S. college campuses, particularly around issues related to free speech, political activism, and the Israel-Palestine conflict. Columbia University, already at the center of student protests in recent months, once again found itself in the spotlight.
‘Free Mahmoud’ Chants Disrupt Columbia Graduation Ceremony
As the acting president took the stage to deliver the graduation address, loud boos erupted from parts of the audience. Moments later, chants of “Free Mahmoud” echoed across the venue, forcing pauses in the speech and creating visible discomfort on stage.
The chants are believed to reference Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian student activist whose detention and disciplinary action have been criticized by protest groups and civil liberties advocates. Supporters argue that Khalil has been unfairly targeted for his political views, while university officials maintain that their actions were based on policy violations, not political beliefs.
Graduates and families present at the ceremony appeared divided — some applauded the protesters for using the platform to raise awareness, while others expressed frustration that the moment was disrupted.
Campus Protests Spill Into Graduation Day
Columbia University has witnessed weeks of protests, sit-ins, and demonstrations related to the war in Gaza and broader concerns over academic freedom and student rights. Graduation day, traditionally seen as a unifying and joyful milestone, became another stage for student activism.
Protesters argue that commencement ceremonies offer visibility that peaceful demonstrations often lack. By voicing their demands in front of faculty, administrators, families, and the media, students hoped to pressure university leadership into addressing unresolved grievances.
However, critics of the disruption say that graduation should remain focused on students’ achievements, not institutional controversies.
Acting President Faces Mounting Pressure
The acting president, who stepped into the role amid growing tensions on campus, has faced criticism from multiple sides. Student activists accuse the administration of silencing dissent and cooperating with law enforcement, while some donors and alumni have urged the university to restore order and protect academic operations.
During the speech, the acting president attempted to acknowledge the broader climate of disagreement and unrest, calling for dialogue and mutual respect. However, repeated interruptions made it difficult to continue uninterrupted, underscoring the fragile relationship between university leadership and segments of the student body.
University officials later released a statement reaffirming their commitment to free expression while also emphasizing the need for safety and adherence to campus policies.
Mixed Reactions From Students and Families
Reactions from graduates were deeply mixed. Some students said the chants reflected the reality of life at Columbia and should not be ignored.
“This is what our campus has been going through,” said one graduate. “Pretending everything is fine during graduation would feel dishonest.”
Others felt the protest overshadowed years of hard work. Parents and family members, many of whom had traveled long distances, voiced disappointment that the ceremony was disrupted.
“I support free speech, but this wasn’t the time or place,” said a parent attending the event.
A Broader Debate on Free Speech and Universities
The incident at Columbia is part of a larger national conversation about how universities handle political activism. Campuses across the U.S. have struggled to balance free speech rights with maintaining order, especially as global conflicts increasingly influence student movements.
Legal experts note that universities are under intense scrutiny, with every decision likely to anger one group or another. Social media has further amplified these moments, turning campus events into viral political flashpoints.
Conclusion
The booing of Columbia University’s acting president and the chants of “Free Mahmoud” during graduation underscore how deeply political tensions have permeated academic life. What was meant to be a day of celebration instead became a symbol of unresolved conflict between students and university leadership.
As colleges continue to navigate activism, free speech, and institutional authority, the Columbia graduation incident serves as a reminder that campuses remain powerful — and contested — spaces for political expression. Whether these tensions lead to meaningful dialogue or deeper divisions remains to be seen.