New York University (NYU) has suspended nearly a dozen students for a year following their protests demanding divestment from Israel. This action aligns with the intensified scrutiny of campus behavior under the administration of President Donald Trump, who has adopted a stringent stance on higher education issues.
Cornell University professor William Jacobson remarked, “The key issue at NYU is not about targeting specific students, but rather about enforcing rules consistently.” He noted that anti-Israel protesters often resist adhering to established regulations, citing instances of library disruptions and obstructing pedestrian traffic on campus. “When the rules are enforced, they tend to portray themselves as victims,” he added.
In response to the university’s decision, NYU’s Faculty for Justice in Palestine (FJP) claimed the students engaged in peaceful anti-war protests. On December 11 and 12, 2024, students and faculty members distributed flyers and displayed pro-Palestinian banners in the Bobst Library, alongside conducting a sit-in within the library.
The FJP described the suspensions as “a draconian case of collective punishment,” stating, “NYU has issued blanket year-long suspensions to students who participated in nonviolent protest.” As of now, at least eleven students face suspensions until January 2026.
According to the group, the sit-in aimed to secure a meeting with university officials regarding the disclosure of and divestment from institutional investments in Israel. All students identified in these actions were charged with similar violations of NYU’s student conduct code.
NYU spokesperson John Beckman countered that the protests were “not peaceful,” emphasizing that they involved intentional disruption of library activities during a critical academic time, specifically the eve of finals. Beckman stated, “This disruption was accompanied by threats of violence directed at senior members of the university community.”
Jacobson expressed his belief that the Trump administration will enforce stricter adherence to campus rules. He highlighted the importance of maintaining a non-hostile environment for all students, particularly those who are pro-Israel. “We have seen pro-Israel students and Jewish students being targeted, creating what some call Zionist-free zones on campus, which is unacceptable,” he stated.
Currently, over 100 U.S. colleges and school districts are under investigation for alleged antisemitism or Islamophobia, particularly following the October 7, 2023, attacks. Some institutions have reached settlements with federal civil rights investigators in the lead-up to Trump’s second term.
These civil rights violations fall under Title VI, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, and national origin in institutions receiving federal funding. Recent settlements have occurred with several universities, including the University of Washington and Rutgers University, among others.
In light of these developments, Rep. Tim Walberg, chair of the House Education and Workforce Committee, criticized the settlements as “toothless,” arguing that they fail to hold colleges accountable for antisemitism. He urged the Trump administration to review these agreements and consider imposing real consequences on institutions.
Trump has been vocal about his commitment to addressing antisemitic behavior on college campuses. He previously stated, “Colleges will and must end the antisemitic propaganda, or they will lose their accreditation and federal support.” In a recent report, it was indicated that Trump plans to sign an executive order directing federal agencies to identify measures to combat antisemitism, including the potential deportation of student protesters on visas.
As the situation continues to evolve, the implications for students and universities remain significant, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding free speech, protest rights, and campus conduct in the current political climate.