NYU Law Cancels Oct 7 Event Featuring Jewish Conservative Over Security Concerns

New York University School of Law canceled a Federalist Society event scheduled for October 7 featuring conservative Jewish legal scholar Ilya Shapiro, citing security concerns and the anticipated likelihood of protests connected to the anniversary of the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. The university asked organizers to reschedule due to resource commitments and enhanced security needs, but after the Federalist Society insisted on holding the event as planned, NYU ultimately refused to permit it during that week. Shapiro, author of "Lawless: The Miseducation of American Elites," criticized the cancellation as a "heckler's veto" and accused the university of yielding to threats of anti-Israel and antisemitic protests, arguing that such actions undermine free speech and demonstrate weak leadership. Despite NYU's stated reasons, critics pointed out that other large events were scheduled at the law school during the same week, leading to accusations of hypocrisy. The Federalist Society relocated the event, expecting an even larger attendance for the nationally streamed conversation featuring Shapiro alongside federal judges. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions over campus free speech, security considerations, and the response to politically sensitive anniversaries involving Israel and Gaza.