ACLU Files Lawsuit Against University of Pittsburgh Over SJP Suspension

The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania has filed a federal lawsuit against the University of Pittsburgh, alleging the school violated the First Amendment by suspending the campus chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP). The ACLU argues that the university retaliated against SJP for its political speech and peaceful advocacy after the group organized a public letter criticizing what it described as harassment by university officials. The lawsuit contends that Pitt's actions have unconstitutionally suppressed free speech and created a double standard for campus activism, especially regarding pro-Palestinian views. SJP members report a pattern of disciplinary measures and restrictions that have curtailed their ability to organize and access university resources. The university has not immediately commented on the lawsuit. The case is part of a broader wave of legal actions challenging university responses to pro-Palestinian student activism across the U.S.