UMD Ordered to Allow Pro-Palestinian Vigil

A federal court has ruled that the University of Maryland must allow the student group Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) to hold a vigil on October 7, despite the university's initial cancellation citing safety concerns. The event marks the anniversary of Hamas's attack on Israel, which Governor Wes Moore and others consider an inappropriate date for the vigil. Judge Peter Messitte stated that the university's decision was neither viewpoint-neutral nor content-neutral and violated the First Amendment. The university, while expressing continued safety concerns, has committed to comply with the ruling and will implement enhanced security measures. Moore emphasized the importance of ensuring student safety and condemned any calls for violence. The Jewish Student Union also plans to hold a separate vigil to commemorate Israeli victims of the Hamas attack.