Court Allows Vigil for Gaza at University of Maryland

A federal court has ruled that the University of Maryland must allow the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) to hold a vigil on October 7, marking one year since the Hamas attacks in Israel. U.S. District Judge Peter Messitte emphasized that the university's prior cancellation was not a neutral decision and violated free speech rights. The ruling comes amid concerns from Jewish and pro-Israel groups who claimed the event could be antisemitic, but Messitte stated that the potential for offense does not justify a ban on speech. The university acknowledged the court's decision and will implement a safety plan for the event, despite ongoing safety concerns. SJP members expressed relief but noted the urgency to organize the vigil, which aims to honor lives lost in the conflict. This ruling highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding campus free speech and political expression.