American University – Suspension of Students for Justice in Palestine

Summary

On February 5, 2026, American University suspended its Students for Justice in Palestine chapter, barring the group from campus activities through November 6, 2027 and placing it on a year of disciplinary probation after re‑recognition. University officials said the chapter had repeatedly violated the Discrimination and Non‑Title IX Sexual Misconduct policy and other conduct standards, including failing to comply with directives from conduct officers, posting material on social media without required review that the administration said contributed to safety concerns and created discord in the community, and organizing or promoting activities without necessary approvals. The conduct status list showed prior warnings and probation periods as part of a pattern of noncompliance, and the suspension announcement prompted students and alumni to say the decision conflicted with the university’s stated commitments to free expression.

The disciplinary issues involving the chapter dated back to February 2024, when members held a silent indoor walk through campus buildings calling for divestment from Israel and an end to violence in Gaza. The university determined that protest violated a policy banning indoor demonstrations and placed the chapter on disciplinary probation in April 2024, limiting privileges and requiring meetings with staff. On February 25, 2025, the university canceled a planned “Debunking Zionist Lies” workshop after reviewing a social media graphic advertising the event that included the words “Smash Zionism!” alongside an image of a person in a keffiyeh holding a slingshot, saying the post had not been submitted for review and contained imagery and language that contributed to safety concerns and was hurtful to members of the Jewish community. Following that incident, the chapter was ordered to cease operations while conduct proceedings continued.

The suspension at American University occurred within a broader national context in which pro-Palestinian student activism drew heightened scrutiny following actions by the Trump administration, which had directed federal investigations into anti‑Semitism on college campuses and emphasized that universities receiving federal funding could face consequences for failing to address complaints of discrimination against Jewish students. Chapters at other universities nationwide were suspended or placed on interim restrictions for protests, demonstrations, or social‑media activity deemed in violation of campus policies.