ACLU Urges Brown University to Reinstate SJP Chapter

The ACLU of Rhode Island has called for the immediate reinstatement of the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapter at Brown University, which has been temporarily suspended pending an investigation into alleged misconduct during a pro-Palestinian protest on October 18, 2024. The ACLU contends that the university's actions are a violation of free speech principles, arguing that the suspension silences a political group without allowing it a chance to contest the allegations. The university cited reports of protestors blocking vehicles and using profane language as grounds for the suspension, which prohibits SJP from holding meetings or participating in campus activities. ACLU leaders emphasized that the suspension undermines the university's commitment to academic freedom and fair expression. The ACLU has not indicated plans for legal action but strongly criticized the suspension as an arbitrary crackdown on political organizations. University officials have stated they will engage directly with the ACLU regarding their concerns.