KARACHI: The father of a Pakistani-American student accepted into Columbia University’s Master’s program in Psychology said on Thursday he fully supported his daughter’s decision to decline the admission offer, citing the university’s suppression freedom of speech.
Columbia, a highly renowned and prestigious educational institution in New York, became a flashpoint for student protests after the outbreak of war in Gaza, with demonstrations both in support of and against Israel’s military action polarizing the campus. Pro-Palestinian activists accused the administration of silencing dissent, while critics of the protests argued they crossed into antisemitism.
Under mounting scrutiny, the university took disciplinary measures against students, suspending campus groups and initiating investigations into protest activities. The university framed these actions as efforts to maintain campus safety and prevent harassment, but activists saw them as a crackdown on free speech.
“Columbia was her top choice and we were all overjoyed when she got in,” Umair Khan, Amara’s father, told Arab News in response to a message. “So it was a tough decision and a brave decision — and one that we fully support. I am not sure if I would have had the courage at her age to make such a choice.”
“I am proud of her,” he added. “And I will follow her lead.”
His daughter said in her letter that the university told students during the admission process that a hallmark of the Columbia experience was being able to learn and thrive in an equitable and inclusive community with a wide range of perspectives.
“However, in light of recent events, I find it deeply hypocritical for Columbia to continue promoting diversity and inclusion while failing to protect the voices of marginalized students,” she said.
“As a Muslim American, I cannot in good conscience choose to study at an institution that prioritizes appeasement over academic freedom and fails to stand by its students when it matters most,” she continued.
She maintained that a university that claimed to foster critical thinking and open dialogue should not silence or sideline those advocating for justice.
“For these reasons, I am declining my offer of admission,” she added.
Under the current administration of President Donald Trump, Columbia has experienced significant federal funding cuts, with an immediate cancelation of approximately $400 million in federal grants and contracts to the university this month.
