Pakistani-American student rejects Columbia admission offer in protest over pro-Palestine crackdown

Pakistani-American student Amara Khan has rejected an admission offer from a prestigious institution in the United States (US), Columbia University, in protest against the apprehension of pro-Palestinian students on campus.

As per a report, Amara conveyed her concerns in an email to the university administration, criticising Columbia for failing to uphold students’ freedom of expression.

In her letter, she dubbed the university’s claim of promoting diversity and inclusion “hypocritical.” She highlighted that the university’s inability to protect marginalised voices contradicts its stated values.

She stressed that an institution committed to fostering critical thinking and free speech should not suppress those advocating for justice.

Furthermore, Amara maintained that, as a Muslim American, she could not choose to study at a university where pleasing the authorities is prioritised over intellectual freedom.

Additionally, she emphasised that a university that claims to foster critical thinking and free speech should not silence those advocating for justice.

Her decision follows the arrest of multiple Palestinian graduate students and activists, including Mahmoud Khalil, by federal immigration authorities on Saturday night for protesting against Israel’s war on Gaza.