The university must notify the student and the court at least 30 days in advance before handing over the student records that the House Committee seeks.
Columbia University may share records relating to pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil and other students with members of the Congressional investigation into anti-Semitism on university campuses, ruled Friday by a federal judge in New York.
“The enforcement effect of the committee’s actions is very realistic,” the complaint states. “Entities like universities feel pressured to work with the government in their efforts to cool and punish protected speeches.”
The students also sought a court order to stop Colombia from publishing records that include names and disciplinary history.
House Committee Chairperson Rep. Tim Wahlberg (R-Mich.) requested in February that Colombia hand over documents related to 11 cases relating to the pro-Palestinian protests, including the April 30, 2024 occupation of campus buildings and the January 21 disruption of the “History of Modern Israel” lecture.
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“Columbia has failed to address the widespread anti-Semitism that persists on campus, especially given the university receiving federal funds,” the lawmaker wrote in a letter to the university.
Subramanian found that students did not meet the legal thresholds needed for the extensive relief they were seeking.
The judge also said that Columbia has compiled all personally identifiable information from documents already submitted to the House Committee. Ivy League schools do not intend to release additional records, at least for now, and the committee indicates that they are not seeking further records.
Friday’s order reveals the possibility that students may submit their requests again if they can address current billing issues.
“In the meantime, Columbia must further notify the plaintiff and the court 30 days prior to student records to give the plaintiff an opportunity to seek timely relief as needed,” wrote Subramanian.
Wahlberg welcomed the decision and called it a “win for reliable surveillance.”
A Palestinian Syrian citizen, Halil recently graduated from a master’s degree at Columbia University. He became a prominent figure on the campus of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. This was retaliation for a Hamas-led terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and tempting more than 200 people.
“Halil led the activities along Hamas, the designated terrorist organization,” the DHS argued.
“The court’s jurisdiction has not been defeated by the petitioner being transferred to Louisiana,” New Jersey District Judge Michael Farbeers wrote in the ruling.
