WEBDESK (Azaad English): A Pakistani-American student, Amara Khan, has rejected her admission to Columbia University Master’s program in Psychology in protest against the university’s actions against pro-Palestinian students. Her father, Umair Khan, has expressed full support for her decision, saying he is proud of her stance.
Columbia University, one of the most prestigious institutions in the United States, has been at the center of intense student protests since the war in Gaza began. The campus has seen demonstrations both supporting and opposing Israel’s military actions, leading to deep divisions among students.
The university administration took disciplinary action against pro-Palestinian students, suspending campus groups and launching investigations into protest activities in the name of scrutiny. The university claimed these measures were aimed at maintaining campus safety and preventing harassment, but activists viewed them as a crackdown on free speech.
Amara Khan, made the difficult decision to turn down her admission offer, citing the university’s failure to uphold academic freedom and protect marginalized voices.
Through her letter to the university administration and faculty Amara criticised Columbia University because it had abandoned its students at a critical time. Her statement highlighted how Columbia University promised an inclusive diversity during admissions but its current actions directly opposed those initial promises.
“It is deeply hypocritical for Columbia to continue promoting diversity and inclusion while failing to protect the voices of marginalized students,” she wrote.
“As a Muslim American, I cannot in good conscience choose to study at an institution that prioritizes appeasement over academic freedom and fails to stand by its students when it matters most,” she added.
Umair Khan, Amara Khan’s father while talking to Arab News said, “Columbia was her top choice, and we were all overjoyed when she got in. So it was a tough decision and a brave decision—one that we fully support. I am not sure if I would have had the courage at her age to make such a choice.”
He added, “I am proud of her. And I will follow her lead.”
Columbia University has faced heavy criticism from human rights activists, student organizations, and academics for its crackdown on pro-Palestinian voices. Some believe the administration is acting under political pressure and trying to avoid backlash from donors and influential groups.
In a related development, the U.S. federal government under President Donald Trump has cut significant funding to Columbia University, with reports stating that approximately $400 million in grants and contracts have been canceled. While the official reasons for these funding cuts are unclear, many speculate they are linked to the university’s handling of campus protests.
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