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‘It just felt so dystopian’ – US university investigates students who criticise Israel

Special reportjake offenhartz

Demonstrators are directed by police as they protest and interact with counter-protesters outside Columbia University as it prepares to host former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett in New York City. Photo: Reuters

Demonstrators are directed by police as they protest and interact with counter-protesters outside Columbia University as it prepares to host former Israeli prime minister Naftali Bennett in New York City. Photo: Reuters

Jake Offenhartz

Today at 03:30

Columbia University senior Maryam Alwan was visiting family in Jordan over the winter break when she received an email from the university accusing her of harassment. Her supposed top offence: writing an op-ed in the student newspaper calling for divestment from Israel.

The probe is part of a flurry of recent cases brought by a new university disciplinary committee – the Office of Institutional Equity – against Columbia students who have expressed criticism of Israel, according to records shared with this writer.

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