Brown University’s Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) group has been temporarily suspended after alleged threats and intimidating actions during a campus event in October, a spokesperson told the Daily Caller News Foundation.
On Oct. 18, the anti-Israel group along with other “pro-divestment” individuals were reported to have been banging on cars, screaming obscene language and making racial comments toward others, the Brown Daily Herald reported. The demonstrators were protesting the university’s decision to not divest from ten companies linked to Israel, following an Oct. 9 divestment vote.
“Given the severity of alleged threatening, intimidating and harassing actions during an event on campus, Brown University has initiated a review of the event and required the Brown chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine to cease all organization activities pending full review of the matter,” Brown University vice president for News and Strategic Campus Communications, Brian E. Clark, told the DCNF.
PROVIDENCE, RI – APRIL 24: Caroline Sassan, 22, a senior studying environmental studies and international affairs, is confronted by a campus police officer about scanning their ID for being in the Gaza Solidarity Encampment at Brown University in Providence, RI on April 24, 2024. (Photo by Sophie Park for The Washington Post via Getty Images)
“While Brown’s policies make clear that protest is a necessary and acceptable means of expression on campus, protest cannot interfere with the normal functions of the University, include intimidation or harassment of community members, or infringe on the rights of others,” Clark continued. “We are committed to upholding freedom of expression while also respecting the dignity and humanity of others.”
Suspended student groups lose the rights and privileges that come with being a recognized student group, and loss of recognition means a student group does not “exist,” university policy states. SJP will not be able to host meetings and events, accept new members, receive funding from the school or reserve on and off-campus spaces.
“The implementation of the interim measures is based on the severity of the alleged behavior and does not prejudge whether the organization violated policy,” Clark said. “The investigation into alleged conduct code violations and any findings of responsibility and/or accompanying sanctions will be resolved according to the provisions in Brown’s student conduct procedures.” (RELATED: Columbia Alum Makes Massive Investment In Israeli University Amid Lingering Protests)
Brown’s divestment vote not only sparked outrage amongst anti-Israel groups and individuals, but it also led one long-time trustee to resign from his post. Joseph Edelman, a trustee since 2019, announced in September that he was stepping down over the university’s choice to hold a vote in the first place, claiming the decision was based on “weakness towards student activists,” instead of facts and values.
Brown University SJD did not immediately respond to the DCNF’s request for comment.
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