The head of Columbia University alluded to the detention of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil during a commencement speech Wednesday that drew loud boos and chants of “free Palestine” from graduating students.
The acting president, Claire Shipman, also alluded to the crackdown on foreign students by the Trump administration that has roiled the Ivy League school in recent months.
Graduates cheer during the Columbia University commencement ceremony on Columbia’s main campus, in Manhattan, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, Pool)
Columbia University’s acting president Claire Shipman speaks during Columbia University commencement ceremony on Columbia’s main campus, in Manhattan, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, Pool)
Students react as Columbia University’s acting president Claire Shipman speaks during Columbia University commencement ceremony on Columbia’s main campus, in Manhattan, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, Pool)
Students gather, on the day of Columbia University commencement ceremony on Columbia’s main campus, in Manhattan, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 in New York. (Jeenah Moon/Pool Photo via AP)
Police and protesters clash across the street from the main gates of Columbia University, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)
Students pose with a person dressed as Roar-ee the Lion mascot, on the day of Columbia University commencement ceremony on Columbia’s main campus, in Manhattan, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 in New York. (Jeenah Moon/Pool Photo via AP)
Alumni and students burn a diploma across the street from the main gates of Columbia University, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)
A graduate walks past a police line across the street from the main gates of Columbia University, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)
A graduate shows off their decorated cap in support of Palestinians while posing for photos across the street from the main gates of Columbia University, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)
A graduate poses for a photo in front of a group of people protesting in support of Palestinians across the street from the main gates of Columbia University, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)
Students attend Columbia University commencement ceremony on Columbia’s main campus, in Manhattan, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 in New York. (Jeenah Moon/Pool Photo via AP)
Students react as Columbia University President Claire Shipman speaks during the Columbia University commencement ceremony on Columbia’s main campus, in Manhattan, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 in New York. (Charly Triballeau/Pool Photo via AP)
This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.