Arizona State University’s actions against anti-genocide protesters between April 26th - April 27th, 2024 indicate suppression of free speech and discrimination. Video evidence shows instances where the ASU administration, ASU police, and other law enforcement acted inappropriately and violently with protesters. This includes reports of the ASU police chief damaging tents, sprinkler activation on protesters, and the forceful removal of students. These early attempts to disperse the crowd prompt questions regarding ASU’s stated values. ASU emphasizes that it measures its success not by those it excludes, but by those it includes. Arizona State University excluded anti-genocide students and community members from exercising their fundamental rights. Such exclusions conflict with ASU’s stated values and its history of promoting inclusivity.

ASU has repeatedly silenced their pro-Palestinian students and ignored rising Palestinian hate and Islamophobia on their campus. They suspended MECHA, abruptly shut down a speaking event with the only Palestinian member of Congress, Rashida Tlaib, and have now escalated to violent arrests and threatening their own students’ futures. All because these students oppose the destruction of Palestinian schools and the slaughter of over 40,000 Palestinian civilians, including 15,000 children.

Suspending students immediately after their arrests is outrageous. Those living on campus were barred from their dorms and had to have an escort from Housing in order to move out. Several students were forced to couch surf or crash with friends; the university provided no guidance or support for these students forced into houselessness. Students have also been barred from contacting professors and participating in classes, even though the arrests happened immediately before finals week.

Is ASU so committed to investing in a genocidal state that they would resort to all this instead of listening to the demands of their students?

Student Rights and Responsibilities claims that accommodations have been made for those who cooperated with their investigations, but for those still unable to contact their professors, it is because they are not complying; this is not true. All students have had their initial meetings and submitted appeal paperwork but only ONE student has been allowed to contact their instructors.

Send a letter to Arizona State University leaders to express your concern regarding the infringement upon the First Amendment rights of ASU students and the broader community, and demand justice be done.