Columbia Students Unexpelled After Campus Building Occupation

Judge rules university's disciplinary actions were arbitrary and capricious

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:23am

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A vibrant, fractured painting of overlapping geometric shapes in shades of red, orange, and yellow, depicting the chaotic scene of students occupying a university building, conceptually representing the tensions between campus authorities and political dissent.The judge's ruling overturning disciplinary actions against student protesters highlights the complex balance between campus order and student rights.NYC Today

A New York judge has ruled that Columbia University cannot expel or discipline students who stormed and occupied a campus building in 2024, citing the university's reliance on sealed arrest records and lack of differentiation in culpability among the students involved.

Why it matters

The judge's ruling highlights the complex balance between maintaining campus order and upholding student rights, especially when it comes to controversial political protests and expressions of dissent on college campuses.

The details

The case involves approximately two dozen student radicals who took over Hamilton Hall in late April 2024, demanding an 'intifada'. The judge argued the university's sanctions, including suspensions, expulsions, and degree revocations, were unjustified due to the sealed arrest records and the university's inability to distinguish varying levels of student involvement and culpability.

  • In late April 2024, the students occupied Hamilton Hall for 22 hours.
  • In 2026, the New York judge issued the ruling overturning the university's disciplinary actions.

The players

Justice Gerald Lebovits

A New York judge and an adjunct professor at Columbia Law School who ruled in favor of the students.

Alvin Bragg

The Manhattan District Attorney who dropped trespassing charges against the students, recognizing their lack of criminal histories.

Minouche Shafik

The former president of Columbia University who the students demanded authorize the NYPD to remove them from the occupied building.

Grant Miner

The president of Columbia's graduate student union who was among the students occupying the building.

Franziska Lee

An organizer with the Columbia Revolutionary Marxist Students Organization who was among the students occupying the building.

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What they’re saying

“The university's reliance on sealed arrest records was illegal and the sanctions imposed, including suspensions, expulsions, and degree revocations, were unjustified.”

— Justice Gerald Lebovits, Judge

What’s next

The university is now faced with the challenge of either appealing the ruling or finding alternative evidence to support the discipline of the students.

The takeaway

This case serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between maintaining campus order and upholding the rights of students, especially in the face of controversial actions and expressions of political dissent.