Identity of Speakers
-
n/a
Student
Other
Resources
Additional Information
-
Incident Nature:
Rally or protest
Lawsuit
Other
-
Incident Political Orientation:
Not Clear -
Incident Responses:
Student sanctioned
Rally or Protests
Campus police
Other Law Enforcement
Litigation
-
Incident Status:
In litigation State Court
- Did not involve Speech Codes
Summary
In May 2024, University of Iowa police disbanded a pro-Palestinian encampment set up by student protesters in Hubbard Park, citing violations of campus policy, including rules against overnight camping and unauthorized structures. The encampment, part of a nationwide wave of student demonstrations related to the Israel-Gaza conflict, was removed within about 30 minutes after police intervention. No arrests were made, but at least a dozen individuals received six-month no-trespass orders restricting their access to certain campus areas.
In response, several protesters filed a federal lawsuit alleging that the university violated their civil rights, including their First Amendment right to free speech and assembly. The plaintiffs argue that the university retaliated against them and issued the no-trespass orders without due process. They are seeking injunctive relief and damages. The case remains pending.
