NYU Law Students Expelled for Pro-Palestinian Protests

News Summary

Thirty-one law students at NYU have been barred from campus for participating in peaceful pro-Palestinian protests. The university’s actions, responding to earlier protests calling for divestment from Israel, have sparked backlash from students and faculty who argue it violates their rights to free speech. The disciplinary measures have raised concerns about selective enforcement and the chilling of political activism on campus. Over 300 individuals have signed an open letter urging the administration to uphold protest rights.

New York City: NYU Law Students Barred from Campus for Pro-Palestinian Protests

Thirty-one law students at New York University (NYU) have been declared “persona non grata” (PNG), resulting in their expulsion from campus facilities. To regain access and take their final exams, these students are required to sign a “Use of Space Agreement” that renounces their right to protest.

This disciplinary action stems from peaceful sit-in protests held on March 4 and April 29 at the university’s Bobst Library and outside the law school dean’s office. The protests were organized in response to the university’s suspension of thirteen undergraduate and three graduate students in December 2024, who had called for the institution to divest from Israel. Critics have described NYU’s response as a significant escalation against pro-Palestinian activities on campus.

The university’s actions have faced backlash, with students arguing that the disciplinary measures violate established school policies on protest rights. Law professors and students have echoed concerns that NYU is selectively enforcing ambiguous rules as a means to stifle pro-Palestine advocacy. They assert that similar protests addressing other causes have not received equivalent penalties, raising questions about consistency in the university’s enforcement of rules.

Emails obtained by individuals familiar with the situation indicate that the barred students are under investigation for “disruptive conduct” during their protests and for allegedly failing to comply with public safety directives. As part of their disciplinary actions, these students are facing not only limitations on campus access but also restrictions on essential services, including health services and religious centers, which are crucial to their educational experience. The inability to fulfill clinical responsibilities necessary for their legal education adds further strain to their situation.

In response to the university’s actions, over 300 students, faculty, and community members have signed an open letter urging NYU to suspend punitive measures and uphold students’ rights to protest. This initiative has garnered national attention, reflecting a larger trend among universities that have responded harshly to pro-Palestinian activism.

NYU’s law spokesperson has indicated that all protest activities must conform to specific time, place, and manner restrictions to avoid disruptions to educational activities. However, students have criticized the lack of clear procedures for imposing PNG status and the rapidity of the responses from the administration, which they believe violate their rights to free speech and peaceful assembly.

To assist with investigations into the barred students, NYU Law has engaged the firm Latham & Watkins, noted for its connections to the Trump administration. The involvement of a firm with such political ties has raised additional concerns about the administration’s decision-making process and the broader implications for campus democracy.

The situation at NYU highlights critical issues surrounding free speech, protest rights, and the responsibilities of educational institutions to uphold democratic principles. As universities navigate the complexities of politically charged discussions, the balance between maintaining order and protecting student rights remains a contentious challenge.

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Additional Resources

• NYU News
• The Intercept
• Above the Law
• Wikipedia: Freedom of speech in the United States
• Google Search: NYU protests 2025