American University puts Students for Justice in Palestine on probation
American University put its Students for Justice in Palestine chapter on disciplinary probation after the group allegedly violated university policy.
American University put its Students for Justice in Palestine chapter on disciplinary probation after the group allegedly violated a university policy.
According to the Eagle Online, the SJP chapter held a silent indoor walkout during a Feb. 8 protest.
The outlet reported that American University banned indoor protests in an update to its speech and expression policies, which was announced to the campus community in a Jan. 25 email.
The protest in question included 30 individuals who silently walked through two university buildings while displaying signs that called on administrators to end their support of Israel.
[RELATED: UCSD students hold ‘Vigil for Palestine’ to ‘Honor Our Martyrs’]
According to the report, protesters broke their silence outside of a campus building and called on the university to “divest from any programs or funding related to Israel.”
The SJP chapter said in an Instagram post “This probation is intended to silence Palestinian voices on campus, as well as appeal to Zionist donors and influence.”
“We will continue to hold our administration accountable for their shameful actions, to protect all marginalized students including Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim students when our own leadership won’t, and to advocate for Palestinian freedom,” the group wrote. “Our fight for Palestinian liberation will never falter, especially with the university’s weak and disgraceful intimidation tactics.”
The American University Student Government held a silent protest against the policy change during a welcome reception on Wednesday for the university’s incoming president, Jonathan Alger.
The protest was held two days after the Students for Justice in Palestine chapter was placed on probation.