Brandeis University eliminates student-run, pro-Palestinian group that expressed support for Hamas

Brandeis University in Massachusetts announced on Monday that it would stop recognizing Students for Justice in Palestine on its campus. The student-run group took to Instagram to make the announcement, claiming that the school's decision was "purely racist."

A "Vigil for Palestine" that was prepared by the student group was apparently canceled on Monday. The development comes as the conflict between Israel and Hamas rages on, following Hamas' attack against the Jewish state on October 7.

The student-run group's Instagram post read: "With heavy hearts, we would like to announce that our chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine has been unjustly de-charted [sic]. This comes as a part of Brandeis University, an institution that values social justice, trying to silence us from speaking our truth."

"We thank everyone who stood by us during this beautiful journey, and we encourage you to reach out to us if you need any kind of support. From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free. Until liberation, Students for Justice in Palestine."

Fox News Digital reported that the student group received a letter saying it would be de-recognized and would no longer receive funding from the university. The group is also no longer allowed to host events on campus.

"The National SJP has called on its chapters to engage in conduct that supports Hamas in its call for the violent elimination of Israel and the Jewish people. These tactics are not protected by the University’s Principles," the letter reportedly said, according to Fox News Digital.

"As a result, the University made the decision that the Brandeis chapter of the National SJP must be unrecognized and will no longer be eligible to receive funding, be permitted to conduct activities on campus, or use the Brandeis name and logo in promoting itself or its activities, including through social media channels."

"Students who choose to engage in conduct in support of Hamas, or engage in conduct that harasses or threatens violence, whether individually or through organized activity, will be considered to be in violation of the University’s student code of conduct."

Brandeis University's spokesperson, Julie Jette, pointed to university President Ronald Liebowitz's op-ed that appeared in the Boston Globe, which explained "his position on speech used to threaten or harass." In the piece, Liebowitz suggested that student organizations that actively take part in protests that call for violence or the "annihilation" of Israel "should lose all privileges."

"Most urgently, in this twilight zone moment when students and faculty seem to be enjoying their freedom to express grotesque language about Jews, Jewish life, and the Jewish state, Brandeis will uphold free speech rightly understood," Liebowitz said.

"Universities cannot stop hate speech, but they can stop paying for it. Brandeis will ensure that groups that receive privileges through their affiliations with the university, including using itsname, will lose their affiliations and privileges when they spew hate."

Brandeis' president concluded that "a special kind of ugliness is rearing its head — an ugliness about which we have thousands of years' worth of history to remind us that the Jewish people serve as canaries in the coal mine."

Brandeis University's decision to sever ties with the pro-Palestinian group comes as Hamas terrorists attacked non-combatants early last month, slaughtering and abducting hundreds of Jews. In response, Israel has responded by launching its own attacks in Gaza.

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