DePaul University’s Crackdown on Pro-Palestinian Speech Risks Violating Civil Rights Laws

In a May 23, 2025, letter to DePaul University, attorneys representing student organizers warned the University that it is at risk of violating federal civil rights laws by enabling a hostile environment for Palestinian, Arab, Muslim, and associated students. The letter calls on DePaul to cease all discriminatory investigations and sanctions of Palestine advocacy groups and take steps to address anti-Palestinian racism on campus. A legal hold notice was attached, indicating that the students are prepared to take their case to court if necessary.

This letter follows DePaul President Robert Manuel's testimony at an anti-Palestinian Congressional hearing on May 7, 2025, in which he falsely claimed that the university had suspended its chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP). SJP states that the university’s investigation into the student group is still ongoing, and that the group is only under temporary probation.

The letter also expresses concern about the President’s announcement to Congress that he recently hired a former Anti-Defamation League official to serve as a “Special Advisor to the President on Jewish Engagement,” despite the ADL’s long history of targeting Palestinian rights groups and supporting widespread surveillance of Muslim communities. 

The attorneys’ letter catalogues examples of DePaul punishing students for pro-Palestine speech, emboldening individuals who sought to harm pro-Palestine students, and failing to respond to complaints of harassment of Palestinian, Arab, Muslim, and associated students. For example, the administration spread unproven claims about finding objects intended to serve as weapons at last spring’s student encampments for Palestine, fueling racist stereotypes and putting students at risk. 

This letter makes clear: DePaul’s is part of a national crackdown on Palestine advocacy across U.S campuses. Legal support requests for student activists have skyrocketed across the country, and most cases involve campus repression. The letter urges DePaul to respect the rights and dignity of all students and implement the values and principles of free speech it claims to support.

Read the full letter here.