James v. Virginia Foxx (Columbia University)

Summary

On February 5, 2026, Khymani James filed a federal lawsuit against U.S. Representative Virginia Foxx of North Carolina, alleging that she violated his First Amendment rights. He claimed that Foxx, as chair of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, used her position to pressure Columbia University into disciplining him, including sending letters and public statements highlighting his conduct. The complaint described Foxx’s actions as “abusing her authority” and asserted that her intervention unlawfully interfered with his contractual relationship with the university. James characterized the congressional inquiry into campus antisemitism as an “inquisition” reminiscent of the McCarthy era. He detailed that Foxx’s actions contributed directly to his suspension and the denial of his re-enrollment, and he sought damages along with an injunction barring her from any further interference with his speech or educational opportunities.

Foxx publicly rejected the allegations, stating that the lawsuit lacked credibility and defended the committee’s investigation into antisemitism on college campuses. James emphasized that he did not regret his statements and asserted that he would not allow anyone to shame him for his political views.

Columbia University had suspended James in April 2024 and later denied him re-enrollment, citing insufficient reflection on his past conduct. James filed a separate legal action against the university over his suspension, known as James v. Columbia University.