During Columbia University’s graduation ceremony, pro-Palestinian student protest leader Mahmoud Khalil was notably absent as he has been detained for over two months and faces deportation. Students expressed their discontent with chants of “Free Mahmoud” as interim president Clare Shipman acknowledged Khalil’s absence, emphasizing the importance of free speech for international students. The ceremony, marked by tension and protests against the university’s handling of student activism, concluded with graduates celebrating amid a heavy police presence and ongoing demonstrations outside.
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