Columbia University President Defends Student at Commencement Amidst Graduate Protests

Commencement Address and Controversy

• 🎓 Acting Columbia University President Claire Shipman addressed the graduating class of 2025, acknowledging the graduates' idealism, curiosity, and ability to ask and answer questions.
• 🗣️ Shipman stated her belief that international students have the same rights to freedom of speech and should not be targeted by the government for exercising them.
• 😔 She also acknowledged the absence of graduate Mahmoud Khalil, noting that many in the community were mourning his absence.

Graduate Reactions and University Challenges

• ✊ The mention of Mahmoud Khalil and the statement on free speech sparked chants and near-booing from the graduating students, indicating significant anger and dissent.
• 🌍 Shipman framed the graduates as resilient, visionary leaders forged in times of challenge and change, capable of navigating considerable turbulence.