Claim they have been’ attacked,’ ‘ restrained,’ and ‘ punished’
Pro-Hamas University of Michigan students are suing the school, alleging that there are” selective abuse” and free speech violations.
According to a press release from the Sugar Law Center for Economic &, Social Justice, the organization Students Allied for Freedom and Equality ( SAFE ) and other activists claim the university “paid hundreds of thousands of dollars” to various consultants in order to impose “retaliatory” discipline proceedings on activists.
The core claims that “while the way of expressing statement has not changed” for U-M individuals over the years, pro-Palestinian student protesters have been “attacked”, “repressed”, and “punished”.
According to John Philo of the Sugar Law Center,” for the past time, the University of Michigan has overreached especially toward students who support the rights of Palestinian people and withdrawal,”
The University is violating the United States Constitution by using student and scholar business administrative procedures to silence and demonize pro-Palestine protesters on campus and restrict statement in support of Arab reasons, according to the University.
Included in the complaint are the U-M Board of Regents, President Santa Ono, and Vice President for Student Life Martino Harmon,” the , Michigan Daily information.
A month earlier, U-M held a hearing at which SAFE was accused by the school of violating the university’s Standards of Conduct, with restrictions including a achievable” two to four-year expulsion.”
Less: U. Michigan regent’s business vandalized with pro-Palestinian painting
The match includes this SAFE reading, claiming it was” a method of targeting pro-Palestinian student protesters. ” SAFE also noted the complaint doesn’t include” every instance of repression against their movement,” but hopefully would” protect future protesters ]sic ] rights.”
SAFE Media co-Director Tarana Sharma ( pictured ) said the lawsuit” is a message to universities across the nation that they cannot shut down pro-Palestine protest and expect no repercussions.”
We hope to use this scenario to continue putting pressure on pro-Palestine activism to achieve our main objective, which is divestment, Sharma continued.
Among other things, the scholar activists want a reform of” all administrative actions “taken against them, a” reinstate]ment of ] all previous privileges and statues,” and a ban on” requiring permits for scholar organizations to join in speech activities on the Diag.”
U-M director Kay Jarvis said the school” thinks” with the suit’s claims:” We believe the claims have no significance, and we will actively protect against this complaint.”
MORE: U. Michigan president’s home vandalized with anti-Israel graffiti
IMAGES: Maksim Kabakou/Shutterstock .com, U. Michigan
Follow The College Fix on Twitter and Like us on Facebook.
