Mia Khalifa has criticized Columbia University for its crackdown on pro-Palestine activism following the detention of Mahmoud Khalil. Khalifa’s comments on social media have sparked mixed reactions. Khalil, linked to campus protests, has had his deportation temporarily halted, while Columbia faces backlash for punishing students involved in protests during the Gaza War.
Mia Khalifa has publicly criticized Columbia University, mainly due to the alleged repression of pro-Palestine activism following the detention of Palestinian green card holder, Mahmoud Khalil. The case has raised significant free speech concerns within the U.S. Khalifa expressed her condemnation on X, previously known as Twitter, using derogatory language towards the institution, which some interpreted as a misspelling related to Colombia, the country.
Khalifa, known as a Lebanese-American activist and former adult film actress, has attracted attention for her outspoken support for Palestinian rights amidst the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. Her positions have ignited controversy, particularly after Playboy severed ties with her over comments made following Hamas’s attack on Israel.
Mahmoud Khalil was arrested by the Trump administration and faced deportation due to his involvement in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia, which spurred broader demonstrations nationwide. A U.S. judge has temporarily halted his deportation, giving him time to contest the decision. Trump has threatened further arrests of pro-Palestinian activists.
In response to campus protests linked to the Gaza War in April 2024, Columbia University has come under fire for penalizing several students, including expulsions and temporary revocation of degrees. The university stated that disciplinary actions were predicated on reviews of the severity of students’ conduct during the protests, but it opted not to disclose specific details to maintain privacy.
Mia Khalifa’s strong criticisms of Columbia University highlight the tensions surrounding free speech and pro-Palestine activism in light of recent events. The case of Mahmoud Khalil and the university’s disciplinary measures against protesting students reflect ongoing debates on the right to protest versus institutional responses. These developments underscore the contentious nature of political activism on college campuses amid global conflicts.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
