American University has banned protests inside any university building to prevent antisemitism.
The outbreak of the conflict between Hamas and Israel in early October heightened tensions on the campus and prompted students to protest in support of both Israel and Gaza.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation looked into a death threat slipped under the door of Wassim Aburakia-Einhorn, a Palestinian employee, in late October. The FBI also investigated the defacement of posters that were covered with “antisemitic language and symbols” in November.
In a message to students, university President Sylvia Burwell warned of new rules that will go into effect for the spring semester. She was joined by the Vice President of Inclusive Excellence Nkenge Friday, the Vice President of Student Affairs Raymond Ou, and the Director of Athletics and Recreation Billy Walker.
Burwell wrote that the university’s leadership was “taking important steps to educate ourselves and each other about antisemitism and hate, address behavior that violates policies or negatively effects students’ sense of belonging and well-being, and help students feel safe on campus.”
“Effective immediately, protests are not allowed to occur in university buildings, residence halls, dining facilities, or other indoor spaces used for educational activities, events, or university operations.," the administrators declared. "This will ensure that protests do not disrupt university activity, including classes and events. Any university community members who participate in protests that violate this directive or any protest policies are subject to disciplinary action.”
Student organizations are also required to be “welcoming” to all students.
“Any membership requirements for student clubs and organizations, including formal criteria and informal standards, must be germane, relevant, and directly connected to the group’s purpose,” the notice states.
The school is also requiring that all posted materials and university-sponsored events promote inclusivity. Posters, flyers or signs hung on campus can only include information about the organization involved and logistical details about upcoming events.
“Posters that do not follow these rules will be removed as soon as possible and any community members displaying such posters are subject to disciplinary action,” the school warned.
The Brandeis Center for Human Rights filed a complaint on behalf of students at American against the university with the United States Board of Education on Jan. 17. The organization said students have been “assaulted, threatened, harassed and intimidated in dormitories, classrooms and campus spaces,” leaving them “fearful, anxious, shunned, isolated and marginalized.”
“While the university took prompt and effective action in response to incidents of Islamophobia, AU officials repeatedly ignored the anti-Semitic discrimination and harassment Jewish students reported to them,” the organization said in a press release. “The university neglected to investigate anti-Semitic conduct or take the necessary steps to eliminate the mistreatment Jewish students endured.”
At other universities, student protestors demanding a ceasefire have staged sit-ins inside university buildings. Students at Columbia University protested outside a lecture by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
“Hillary, Hillary you can’t hide, you are supporting genocide,” the protestors chanted on Nov. 30 as she left the building.
