Success: Judge Allows Lawsuit Against Texas Anti-BDS Law To Proceed

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Success: Judge Allows Lawsuit Against Texas Anti-BDS Law To Proceed

On the same day that the House passed a resolution condemning the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) campaign for Palestinian rights, a federal district court threw a wrench in efforts by the state of Texas to evade judicial review of a law that punishes boycott advocates. Judge Robert Pitman, who blocked enforcement of the law, H.B. 89 in a stunning decision last April, has now ruled that Texas can’t thwart a First Amendment challenge to the law by simply amending it.

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Palestine Legal Statement on House Anti-Boycott Resolution

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Palestine Legal Statement on House Anti-Boycott Resolution

In a period when Israel continues to show disregard for Palestinian human rights by demolishing homes in Jerusalem and the Trump administration stokes hatred against immigrants, progressives, and congressional advocates for Palestine, it is troubling that the Democrat-led House would align itself with a rightwing condemnation of a grassroots human rights movement. Fortunately, this is a nonbinding resolution that has no legal impact on our right to boycott for justice.

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Dima Khalidi in the New Jersey Star-Ledger

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Dima Khalidi in the New Jersey Star-Ledger

In June, New Jersey legislators introduced a bill that would direct public schools and universities to use a widely contested redefinition of antisemitism in assessing alleged violations of the state’s anti-discrimination law. Director Dima Khalidi wrote a guest op-ed for the New Jersey Star Ledger, the state’s largest newspaper.

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Judge Rules Pro-Israel Students Cannot Anonymously Sue UMass Amherst Over Palestine Event

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Judge Rules Pro-Israel Students Cannot Anonymously Sue UMass Amherst Over Palestine Event

You may not be aware, but the lawsuit against the University of Massachusetts Amherst over its May event “Not Backing Down: Israel, Free Speech and the Battle for Palestinian Human Rights,” is still in play – sort of.  While the court allowed the event to take place, the anonymous plaintiffs did not drop the lawsuit, and the question of whether UMass Amherst violated Massachusetts discrimination laws and breached its contract with the anonymous pro-Israeli students is still before the court. But that lawsuit is now in limbo.

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Zoha Khalili on KPFA

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Zoha Khalili on KPFA

Staff attorney Zoha Khalili joined “Voices of the Middle East and North Africa” on KPFA to discuss the new right to boycott resolution in the House, as well as the anti-boycott resolution that will be up for a vote next week.

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Tell Congress: Uphold the Right to Boycott for All

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Tell Congress: Uphold the Right to Boycott for All

After Rep. Omar introduces a resolution affirming right to boycott, the House advances a measure against boycotts for Palestinian rights. Take action and contact your representative now!

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Proposed New Jersey Law Aims To Censor Speech In Support Of Palestinian Rights

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Proposed New Jersey Law Aims To Censor Speech In Support Of Palestinian Rights

A coalition of 13 civil rights and human rights groups just warned New Jersey legislators that a proposed bill to define criticism of Israel as antisemitic will lead to First Amendment violations. Palestine Legal sent a letter to state lawmakers on Monday joined by 12 organizations, including the Center for Constitutional Rights, Council on American-Islamic Relations, and Jewish Voice for Peace.

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