In an effort to foster inclusivity and demonstrate a resolute rejection of antisemitism on campus, American University administrators have banned all indoor protests.
The decision was made in response to recent events and incidents on campus [that] have made Jewish students feel unsafe and unwelcome.” according to a letter sent to the campus on January 25 by the university’s president, Sylvia Burwell.
“When our students’ safety, their sense of belonging, or their connection to our community are disrupted by discrimination or hateful behavior, we are committed to taking swift action to support them and address the problem, “ she wrote.
The protest ban follows a complaint that several Jewish advocacy groups made to the Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Education Department, claiming that the Washington, D.C.-based school is a hostile place for Jewish and Israeli students.
Since the beginning of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, state and federal lawmakers have also increased their monitoring of and criticism of the way leaders in higher education have handled antisemitism on their campuses.
The US announced curriculum changes to address Islamophobia, antisemitism, and other bigotry and hate two weeks ago.
Additionally, the university added new training opportunities for faculty and students to learn how to lead classroom discussions during divisive times through its Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab.
Burwell’s letter says that any staff, faculty, or student who disobeys the new policy “are subject to disciplinary action,” but it doesn’t specify exactly what constitutes a protest.
In addition, clubs and organizations must be “welcoming to all students,” and university-sponsored events and posters placed throughout campus must “promote inclusivity,” according to the new policy.
The letter states that these new regulations will be in place at least until the end of the spring semester, after which they will be reviewed.
Repression of Freedom of Speech
On January 29, the American Association of University Professors’ chapter issued a statement criticizing the new policy, claiming it was implemented “without a transparent process, faculty input, or meaningful community discussion of alternatives” and that it will have “the effect of suppressing and chilling expression.”
Additionally, the policy “is rife with vague and subjective terms,” according to the statement, which also grants administrators the authority to punish students in accordance with their own subjective standards of what constitutes “welcoming.”
While Matt Bennett acknowledged that there were “issues happening on campus” that required quick attention, he also acknowledged that some people were concerned about the protest ban.
The safety of the community is most important. We must work to make sure we are in support of this,” he said. “As we review these actions at the end of the semester, we can have a conversation and plan ahead together about how we move forward.”
“PEN America expressed disapproval.“
The advocacy group for free speech, PEN America, also expressed disapproval of the new policy.
“As the Student Government of American University, our role is to ensure that all students feel safe and represented on campus.” In an email, the executive board wrote:. “We have to address all hate crimes facing our student body right now, including BOTH Antisemitism and Islamophobia. Our Student Government will not address one issue without the other.”
Harvard University
Harvard University recently sent out a reminder about a similar policy that forbids protests inside of buildings. …The policy, which was outlined in a new document titled “Guidance on Protest and Dissent,” did not add any new rules, but it emphasized and clarified that protests or other forms of dissent are not permitted in classrooms, libraries, dormitories, or dining halls.