I disagree with Mahmoud Khalil’s politics. But the deportation decision is abhorrent

‘Dividing and conquering to strip higher education and free speech of their very essences endangers every group that has relied on the first amendment’s guarantee.’ Photograph: EPA

When the federal immigration judge Jamee Comans ruled in favor of allowing the government to deport Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student and lawful permanent resident, her decision was based on “foreign policy concerns” presented by the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio. It was so shocking that I had to reread the news report several times before I could believe it.

Rubio’s claim is based on Khalil’s leadership role in the anti-Israel protests at Columbia University. I didn’t agree with Khalil’s politics when he led the protests and I don’t agree today with his politics, nor even his actions during the protests. But I’m unwavering in supporting his right to his views, and his right to shout them in what, until Trump took the reins, was our free American nation.