Adelphi University imposes probation on Students for Justice in Palestine due to antisemitic social media content
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In a series of recent incidents, several universities have taken disciplinary actions against Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapters, citing concerns over creating a hostile environment towards Jewish students and violations of campus policies.
The history of these disciplinary actions began in 2023, with George Washington University suspending its SJP chapter following allegations of rule violations during a pro-Palestinian Arab encampment in August. Brandeis University also revoked recognition of its campus SJP chapter, stating that the group openly supports Hamas.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison suspended its SJP chapter in 2025 for multiple rule violations from a protest held during an on-campus event. The suspension restricts SJP from most activities until early 2026, followed by a period of probation. SJP has claimed unfair targeting due to pro-Palestine activism, but the university has stood by its enforcement.
At Occidental College, several students, including those associated with SJP, were charged with conduct violations such as threatening behavior, disorderly conduct, and interfering with college activities. The charges followed violent incidents involving campus security and private guards, with students contesting the disciplinary actions and alleging misconduct on the part of the administration and security.
Adelphi University placed its SJP chapter on one year of disciplinary probation after an investigation found the group praised Hamas, endorsed intifada, and made targeted attacks against "Zionists" in social media posts. These actions led to a complaint, resulting in university action against creating a hostile environment.
The University of Washington suspended 21 students arrested during anti-Israel protests, marking a stricter stance compared to prior responses. This included pursuing criminal charges against some students accused of vandalism, representing a serious disciplinary measure linked to protest activities.
Columbia University suspended both SJP and Jewish Voice for Peace in November of 2023. Any violations during this period could result in suspension or the revocation of university recognition.
The University of Maryland revoked a permit it had given to SJP to hold an anti-Israel vigil on the anniversary of Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel.
Israeli-American professor Tuval Foguel filed a complaint against the SJP chapter at George Washington University, following social media posts that declared "long live the intifada," described Israel as a "terror state," and labelled all its supporters as Zionists terrorists.
In response, the SJP chapter at George Washington University will be required to meet with university officials by September 15 to discuss appropriate social media use. The SJP chapter will remain on probation until August 7, 2026, and the chapter at the University of Wisconsin-Madison will remain suspended until at least May 18, 2026.
The SJP chapter at Adelphi University will remain on disciplinary probation for one year. These actions collectively reveal a pattern where universities have taken disciplinary actions against SJP chapters or their members following protests or online activities deemed to foster hostility towards Jewish students or violate campus policies.
These actions often relate to allegations of disorderly conduct, threatening behavior, and endorsing violence, with universities asserting the need to maintain campus safety and policy compliance. SJP and allies frequently characterize such measures as suppression of pro-Palestine speech and activism.
In a separate development, Harvard is weighing a $500m settlement, although this fact is not directly related to SJP but may be of interest to readers. Meanwhile, the SJP chapter at the University of Maryland has filed a federal lawsuit against the university.
[1] University of Wisconsin-Madison suspends Students for Justice in Palestine chapter
[2] Occidental College students face conduct charges after protests
[3] Adelphi University places Students for Justice in Palestine chapter on probation
[4] Adelphi University investigation finds Students for Justice in Palestine chapter supported Hamas, endorsed intifada
[5] University of Washington suspends 21 students arrested during anti-Israel protests
In the context of general news, educational-and-self-development institutions, such as universities, have taken political steps by suspending or placing Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapters and individual students on disciplinary probation for actions deemed to create a hostile environment or violate campus policies. These steps also followed claims of supporters praising Hamas, endorsing intifada, and making targeted attacks through social media posts.
In the realm of political discourse, the SJP chapter at the University of Maryland is currently involved in a lawsuit against the university, while readers may also find it general news that Harvard is considering a $500m settlement, although this fact is not directly related to SJP.
