Rutgers reinstates Students for Justice in Palestine chapter, but on probation

The Rutgers University chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) has regained its status as a sanctioned campus group, though received punishment for what the school described as “protesting in nonpublic forums, causing disruption to classes and university functioning, which are violations of university policy.”

One of many chapters that have led pro-Hamas demonstrations across the country, it received an interim suspension due to multiple conduct complaints, which is a standard procedure at Rutgers.

University spokesperson Megan Schumann Florance announced the findings of a review of SJP’s activities. “The conduct case involving the Students for Justice in Palestine chapter at Rutgers-New Brunswick has been resolved, and the interim suspension of organizational activity is over,” she said, noting that the group would receive a year’s probation and educational sanctions.

Protest actions that led to the interim suspension included unapproved protests at the business school and library.

“For weeks, the Rutgers Students for Justice in Palestine New Brunswick chapter disrupted classes, intimidated Jewish students, failed to comply with authorities, and inappropriately used university spaces,” wrote Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.). “I’m dismayed by Rutgers’s decision to lift their suspension and remind them—as they face a federal Department of Education ethnic discrimination investigation—of their responsibility under Title VI to protect all of their students and the severe consequences if they fail to do so.”

The school’s failure to handle campus antisemitism has led some to withhold donations to the state academic institution.