What It’s About
In a recent development, the University of Maryland’s chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) has filed a federal lawsuit against the university. The legal action challenges the decision to cancel their planned October 7 vigil.
Why It Matters
The case raises important questions about free speech on college campuses, especially when it comes to events that may be deemed politically sensitive. The lawsuit claims that the university violated the First Amendment rights of the student group by revoking the approval for their interfaith vigil.
Background
Palestine Legal and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) are representing SJP in this lawsuit, which was filed in U.S. District Court. They argue that the cancellation is a breach of constitutional rights, especially significant due to the sensitive timing related to the planned event—a year after an attack by the terrorist organization Hamas on Israel sparked the Gaza war.
The violent attack resulted in the loss of 1,200 lives and 250 hostages, leading to a prolonged conflict with significant casualties reported in Gaza. University officials, including UMD President Darryll Pines and Vice President for Student Affairs Patricia Perillo, received mounting pressure from multiple groups to revoke the vigil.
Between the Lines
The university initially approved the event, which aimed to promote awareness around Palestinian history, culture, and interfaith solidarity. However, the administration later cited concerns for campus safety and emotional well-being as the cause for revocation, eventually announcing that only university-sponsored events would be allowed on October 7.
Responses to the university’s decision have been mixed. While groups like the Jewish Student Union and Maryland Hillel expressed gratitude towards the administration for safeguarding student safety, others, like SJP and Jewish Voice for Peace, criticized the move as discriminatory.
What They Are Saying
“We just want to have our rights restored and be able to organize as any other student organization would and reserve space as any other organization would,” said Abel Amene, a member of the SJP executive board.
Ari Israel, executive director of Maryland Hillel, commented, “Under the circumstances, we believe the University emphasized being thoughtful about student safety and we are appreciative of the University’s decision regarding student gatherings on October 7th.”
Looking Ahead
The lawsuit seeks an injunction allowing the vigil to proceed, a declaration that the university’s “Expressive Conduct Ban” is unconstitutional, and damages for the violation of First Amendment rights. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case will likely bring further scrutiny to how universities navigate free speech and safety concerns.
This story was first published on jpost.com.