Universities Respond to Pro-Palestine Protests

Indiana University is pursuing sanctions against a graduate student and a professor for their participation in a late-night free speech protest, with accusations that the university is selectively enforcing its new Expressive Activity Policy. Bryce Greene and Ben Robinson believe they are being targeted due to their pro-Palestine views, as the university’s spokesperson declined to comment on individual cases. In response to nationwide protests regarding the Gaza conflict, various universities, including the University of Central Florida and the University of California system, have introduced new restrictions on demonstrations, raising concerns about the potential infringement on free speech. Some students, like Anne-Marie Jardine from the University of Texas, are facing disciplinary actions for past protest participation, despite the dismissal of criminal charges against them. The University of Texas has also faced criticism for its handling of the protests, with a faculty committee asserting that institutional rules were violated, a claim the administration disputes. As the academic year begins, the tension between ensuring campus security and upholding free speech rights remains a significant issue on college campuses across the U.S.