Controversy Erupts Over Anti-American Slogan Following Khamenei's Death

The death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has led to a controversial post by the Columbia University Apartheid Divest group, which included the slogan "Marg bar Amrika". This phrase, meaning "Death to America," has historical significance and has reignited debates about anti-American sentiments. Following the post's removal by X, CUAD maintained their stance, while Columbia University swiftly distanced itself from the group, asserting no official ties. The situation highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding protests and political expressions on university campuses.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 2, 2026, 01:23 IST

CUAD's Provocative Post

In the wake of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death due to US-Israeli military actions, a post surfaced on X from the Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD) group, featuring the phrase "Marg bar Amrika," which translates from Farsi to "Death to America." This slogan, historically associated with Ayatollah Khomeini, has resurfaced amidst the current tensions.

CUAD's Response to Censorship

CUAD, which gained prominence for its protests against the Gaza conflict, shared the slogan shortly after Khamenei's passing. However, X removed the post and restricted the group's account until they complied with the deletion. Despite this, CUAD asserted that their stance remains unchanged, stating, "X forced us to delete our 'marg bar amrika' tweet to regain access to our account, but the sentiment still stands," as reported by a media outlet.

Columbia University's Disavowal

Columbia University quickly distanced itself from CUAD, clarifying that the group has no official ties to the institution. The university issued a statement asserting, "There is no evidence that anyone currently in control of their account is a current Columbia student, staff, or faculty member. They are illegally using the Columbia name." This declaration emphasizes that CUAD is not a recognized student organization and that the university does not endorse their activities.

Khamenei's Past Praise for Student Protests

In 2024, Khamenei commended various student groups, including those at Columbia, for their anti-Israel protests, referring to them as a "branch of the Resistance Front." He characterized their actions as a noble struggle against governmental pressures that support Zionism, framing these campus movements as part of a larger global awakening.