Fact Check: Students chanted 'Free Mahmoud!' during Columbia University’s commencement ceremony.

Fact Check: Students Chanted 'Free Mahmoud!' During Columbia University’s Commencement Ceremony

What We Know

During Columbia University's commencement ceremony, students indeed chanted "Free Mahmoud!" in reference to Mahmoud Khalil, a graduate student who was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for his involvement in campus protests. Videos from the event show that as acting President Claire Shipman began her speech, she was met with widespread boos and chants from the audience, which included calls for Khalil's release (NBC News, CNN). The incident occurred on May 20, 2025, and was part of a larger context of student unrest regarding immigration policies and the treatment of activists on campus (NBC News, Forward).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is robust, with multiple credible sources confirming that students chanted "Free Mahmoud" during the ceremony. Reports from NBC News and CNN provide direct accounts of the event, including video footage that captures the moment. The chants were a response to the acting president's speech, indicating a clear expression of dissent among the graduating students regarding the university's handling of Khalil's situation.

The context of Khalil's detention is significant. He is a Syrian-born green card holder who had been actively involved in organizing pro-Palestinian rallies at Columbia. His arrest occurred amid a broader crackdown on student activists during the Trump administration, which has been criticized for its aggressive immigration enforcement policies (NBC News, New York Post). This background adds depth to the students' actions, as they were not merely expressing discontent but were advocating for a fellow student whose situation they viewed as unjust.

The sources used in this analysis are credible news outlets, including NBC News and CNN, which are known for their journalistic standards and fact-checking processes. However, it is important to note that some sources, like the New York Post, may have a more sensationalist angle, which could influence the framing of the events (New York Post). Nonetheless, the core facts remain consistent across multiple reports.

Conclusion

The claim that students chanted "Free Mahmoud!" during Columbia University’s commencement ceremony is True. The evidence from various credible sources confirms that this chant occurred as a form of protest against the university's administration and in support of Mahmoud Khalil, highlighting the tensions surrounding immigration policies and student activism.

Fact Check: Students chanted 'Free Mahmoud!' during Columbia University’s commencement ceremony.