James v. Columbia University

Summary

On September 26, 2024, Khymani James filed a lawsuit in New York Supreme Court against Columbia University, alleging that the University’s disciplinary actions constituted discrimination, harassment, and denial of his Tedeschi Rights. The complaint stated that Columbia misused its student conduct system to punish him for protected political expression and failed to follow its own policies regarding academic freedom and free speech.

During the fall of 2023, James posted on social media “Free Palestine” while the Hamas‑Israel war was ongoing, criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza. He followed with a post stating that “There is no ‘two‑state solution.’” In early December, he continued posting commentary accusing Israel of disregarding Jewish lives. A livestream in January 2024 included the statements “Zionists don’t deserve to live” and “be grateful that I’m not just going out and murdering Zionists,” remarks he later described as wrong and said he regretted. His social media activity drew attention and criticism from other students and community members.

Columbia’s Student Conduct team sent James a letter alleging a potential violation of University policy by posting inappropriate content on social media. He argued that the University lacked jurisdiction over his off‑campus speech and that its actions violated his Tedeschi Rights. James participated in a virtual meeting with the Center for Student Success and Intervention, livestreaming it to show what he described as unfair treatment of politically active students.

In early March 2024, Columbia sent a letter stating that livestreaming the meeting may have violated University policy. An updated letter added allegations that he used language denigrating or showing hostility toward members of a protected class. James attended a Conduct Hearing to discuss these matters.

He took part in a Gaza Solidarity Encampment as a media liaison and safety team member, and Columbia began suspending students involved in the Encampment. James was placed on Disciplinary Probation for three prohibited behaviors related to the December 2023 complaints and the January livestream. After a video of his January remarks resurfaced online, Columbia barred him from its New York City campus. He was initially told he could return in fall 2025, but a dean later informed him that his request to reenroll for that semester was denied, citing that “written submissions do not demonstrate a clear understanding of the impact of your conduct,” and that he could reapply for fall 2026. Columbia stated it would not comment on pending litigation.

In February 2026, James filed a federal lawsuit against Rep. Virginia Foxx, alleging that her congressional scrutiny of Columbia’s handling of his case violated his First Amendment rights by exerting pressure on the University’s disciplinary decisions.