A federal judge in Maryland has ruled that the University of Maryland must allow Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) to proceed with their planned October 7 campus event, citing First Amendment protections.
The event, described in court documents as an interfaith vigil on the university’s College Park campus, aims to commemorate lives lost in Gaza. According to Daniela Colombi, an SJP representative, the vigil would incorporate prayers from Islamic, Jewish, and Christian traditions, emphasizing that “this isn’t about religion, it’s about equality for human beings.”
The controversy began when the university initially revoked approval for the event. In a September 1 letter, University President Darryll J. Pines announced that only university-sponsored expressive events would be permitted on October 7, citing safety concerns based on recommendations from campus police.
The date of the event has been particularly contentious. Michael Glass of the Baltimore Zionist District expressed his belief that SJP “strategically selected this date… to inflict as much pain as possible on the Israeli and Jewish community at the University of Maryland.”
After SJP filed a lawsuit, the judge granted a preliminary injunction requiring the university to reinstate the group’s reservation for McKeldin Mall, contingent upon a $2,500 court-imposed bond. In the ruling, the judge acknowledged the sensitive nature of the date, noting October 7 as the day Hamas fighters attacked Israeli settlements near Gaza, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages.
While the judge recognized the passionate opposition from various university stakeholders, the ruling emphasized that controversial speech remains protected under the First Amendment, particularly at public universities. The court found no evidence suggesting that Jewish students would face threats, harassment, or impediments to attending classes.
The University of Maryland has responded by stating they will comply with the court’s decision and work with all registered student organizers of October 7 events. The university emphasized its commitment to implementing “a robust safety plan” including enhanced staffing and security presence to address ongoing safety concerns.
“I sincerely hope some semblance of peace can be established, not only on college campuses, but globally,” Glass remarked, acknowledging the tragic loss of life in both Israel and Gaza while expressing hope for a peaceful path forward.