Vassar College Event Canceled Amid Controversy
At Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) had intended to hold an event focusing on the “historic example” of certain activist groups. However, pressure from officials in the Trump administration led to the cancellation of these plans. The event aimed to highlight the work of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), which has been associated with the recent Hamas attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023.
According to screenshots shared by SJP, Vassar was cautioned that supporting such activities might be seen as illegal “material support for terrorism.” The college warned that their rhetoric could attract the attention of immigration officials, leading SJP to reconsider hosting the event. The situation sparked a significant reaction from various individuals, including Leo Terrell from the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, who described the incident as “bonkers” on social media.
SJP announced on their social media that they were set to teach about “historical examples of Palestinian resistance” on December 9. Their post included the PFLP logo, which signifies their support for the group’s ideology.
Despite inquiries, Vassar College did not respond to requests for comments on the situation. Following the announcement, SJP stated that they received an email from the college the next day, followed by a meeting where the administrators emphasized potential consequences and “threats” that their event could provoke, including a possible visit from Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
SJP indicated frustration over the college’s approach, stating they felt the university was deflecting responsibility for any risks back onto the students instead of addressing the government’s actions. They mentioned that the PFLP, established in 1997, is recognized as a foreign terrorist organization, having ties to various violent incidents, including the October 7 attack.
In a strong statement, SJP condemned the university for its alignment with federal actions that, in their view, stifle anti-imperialist education and undermine student safety.
