BREAKING: CAIR-NY, CAIR, Law Firm File for Temporary Restraining Order to Prevent Columbia University from Complying with Federal Orders in Violation of First Amendment
(NEW YORK, NY, 3/20/2025) – The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, along with CAIR National and the law firm of Dratel & Lewis, filed for a temporary restraining order and sued four new defendants in its efforts to protect Columbia students, including Mahmoud Khalil, from further violations of students’ constitutional rights. The lawsuit now alleges that federal agencies, at the direction of the President, have participated in efforts to violate the students' First Amendments rights.
READ THE FILING.
SEE: Who is Mahmoud Khalil, Palestinian student activist facing US deportation?
Pursuant to ongoing attempts by members of Congress and federal agencies to force Columbia to comply with its efforts to violate students’ First Amendment Rights, the filing seeks an order from the court prohibiting Columbia from distributing students' private records to the federal government while the lawsuit proceeds.
SEE: Columbia Is Nearing Agreement to Give Trump What He Wants
Excerpt from Plaintiff Mahmoud Khalil’s Statement from Detention: “The Trump administration is targeting me as a part of a broader strategy to suppress dissent. Visa-holders, green-card carriers, and citizens alike will all be targeted for their political beliefs. In the weeks ahead, students, advocates, and elected officials must unite to defend the right to protest for Palestine. At stake are not just our voices, but the fundamental civil liberties of all.”
One Plaintiff stated: “I believed Columbia was a place that encouraged bold ideas, that challenged injustice, that stood by its students in the face of political pressure. Instead, I have seen it comply without resistance when those in power demanded private student records—records that have already been used to intimidate, harass, and silence people like me. What is happening here is not about discipline. It is not about safety. It is about control. It is about punishing students for speaking up, for organizing, for challenging authority in ways that some people don’t like. The House Committee’s demand for student disciplinary records has one goal—to create a culture of fear where students are too afraid to express themselves. And Columbia has made it clear: it will not stand in the way. That is why I am here.”
CAIR-NY has previously published a press release condemning the wrongful arrest of Mahmoud Khalil and demanding his release. CAIR has also announced a call to action urging people to contact members of congress and demand Khalil’s release.
SEE: CAIR-NY Condemns Arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, Calls for Immediate Release
SEE: CAIR Action Alert: Free Mahmoud Khalil
Dratel & Lewis is an internationally recognized, full-service law firm. Established in 1996, with 60 years of combined experience, the firm has built a reputation for excellence in federal and New York State cases, including trial and appellate representation in criminal defense and civil litigation, as well as in extradition matters.
CAIR-NY's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR-NY es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: Afaf Nasher, Esq., Executive Director, anasher@cair.com, 917-669-4006;
CAIR-NY Communications Team, comms@ny.cair.com; Ibrahim Hooper, CAIR National Communications Director, ihooper@cair.com; Dratel & Lewis Team, dl@dratellewis.com