UMD must allow pro-Palestinian group’s October 7 event, court rules

The decision comes after the school canceled the event, leading advocacy groups to help the student arm of SJP sue their own school.

The SJP group will now likely continue its event, which will mourn the lives of those lost in Gaza on the day 1,200 Israelis were killed at the hands of Hamas, a terrorist organization that controls the region.

U.S. District Judge Peter J. Messitte granted the request, saying the group “has demonstrated a strong likelihood that it will succeed on the merits of its free speech claim.”

Messitte noted that UMD will have the right to increase campus security for the event and may ask vigil participants to identify themselves, employ “crowd control” tactics and expel those who do not follow directions.

SJP Group is required to post a $2,500 bond as security in connection with the event.

The school responded in a statement shared with the Washington Examiner.

“Today, a judge in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland granted SJP’s motion for a preliminary injunction, requiring the University to reinstate SJP’s reservation for McKeldin Mall on October 7, 2024, under subject to court-imposed bail on SJP,” he said.

“The University of Maryland recognizes and will respect the court’s decision and will work with all registered student organizers of the requested events for October 7. Event organizers, campus officials and UMPD will implement a plan to allow “All events to take place in accordance with the court’s decision. Despite today’s court decision, the security issues that have been raised remain a source of constant attention and focus for us,” the statement said. university.

The school added that it would address concerns about “implementing a robust safety plan.” This includes enhanced staffing and resources with a strong security presence.

A group representing the students in court celebrated the decision.

“The right to participate in the free exchange of ideas on campus is not a right that can be taken away because those in power don’t want to hear them,” said Nick Taichi Steiner, senior attorney at American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland. said. “Universities must foster an environment in which all students feel able to express themselves, their opinions and their emotions. The UMD denied this to Students for Justice in Palestine and violated their First Amendment rights. We are grateful for the court’s decision to overturn this view and content-based ban.

Gadeir Abbas, lawyer for the SJP section, also celebrated the decision in a statement on Tuesday.

“We hope other schools take note that the First Amendment protects student speech every day, including October 7,” Abbas said.

School President Darryll J. Pines had stated on September 1 that only university-sponsored events would take place that day.

“I have also consulted with the University System of Maryland on the importance of our university and all of our USM schools prioritizing safety and reflection on this first anniversary,” Pines said. “Jointly, out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to only host university-sponsored events that promote reflection on this day. All other expressive events will take place before October 7 and then resume on October 8 consistent with First Amendment considerations of time, place and manner.

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THE Washington Examiner contacted the Anti-Defamation League and Maryland Hillel for comment, but did not receive a response. Jewish groups had previously criticized the SJP for organizing the event on October 7.

“October 7 is a tragic day for the Jewish and Israeli community around the world. It is alarming that SJP chose this date, a day of Jewish mourning, to hold an event on campus,” the groups wrote on Instagram.