Claire Shipman acknowledges detained anti-Israel protester Mahmoud Khalil, says democratic norms 'cannot be taken for granted,' as some boo and protesters gather outside campus The post Columbia U president backs international students amid protests at commencement appeared first on The Times of Israel.

Mohsen Mahdawi, another pro-Palestinian student who had been detained, walked across the stage to a standing ovation from the crowd.

Acting President Claire Shipman said attacks on institutions of learning are tantamount to attacks on American democracy.

Some newly minted grads torched their diplomas in protest, loudly booing, chanting and brandishing signs denouncing Israel.

Acting President Shipman visited labs across disciplines that are advancing bold solutions to today’s most urgent challenges.