A Columbia University student, who served in the Israeli armed forces, is suing the institution after being suspended for using “fart spray” during a pro-Palestinian protest. The student, referred to as “John Doe,” is accusing the school of selectively enforcing its policies to protect students. The lawsuit, filed in a New York federal court, states that the student previously served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and attended a “divestment now” rally on campus. The complaint alleges that the university rushed to punish the student for his actions at the demonstration, while ignoring antisemitic rhetoric at pro-Palestinian rallies.
During the protest, the student used a novelty, non-toxic “fart spray” that he purchased on Amazon. The lawsuit claims that the university reacted swiftly, placing the student on interim suspension and accusing him of a hate crime. Despite receiving antisemitic and death threats, the student alleges that he did not receive support from the school and has been doxxed and labeled as a criminal. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul supported a NYPD investigation into the incident, calling for the perpetrator to be charged with a hate crime or assault.
The complaint lists a history of alleged antisemitic incidents at Columbia and accuses university administrators of failing to protect Jewish students following a Hamas attack on Israel. Anti-Israel protests on campus have included chants for an “Intifada” and “Jewish Genocide.” The university’s Interim Provost, Dennis Mitchell, issued a memo stating that the NYPD was investigating what could be serious crimes, possibly a hate crime, and mentioned that some students sought medical treatment after the spray incident. The student’s attorney has refuted claims that the spray was a “biochemical weapon,” stating it was a novelty item from Amazon.
Following the incident, students who claimed to be injured set up fundraising pages and collected thousands of dollars. The student’s lawsuit alleges that Columbia’s response to the incident and the subsequent investigation have severely impacted his graduation date and future prospects. The student is seeking unspecified damages. A university spokesperson declined to comment on the lawsuit, citing the institution’s policy on pending litigation. The lawsuit highlights the complex dynamics at play on college campuses, particularly related to issues of free speech, activism, and the protection of students from discrimination and harassment.
