Students for Justice in Palestine becomes flashpoint in college antisemitism, free speech debate

College group Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) is at the center of a hurricane over its responses to the Israel-Hamas conflict, banned and chastised at universities across the country after its statements and protests have drawn accusations of antisemitism.

SJP wasted no time after the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel to spring into action, organizing a “Day of Resistance.” Chapters of the group said the world had witnessed “a historic win for the Palestinian resistance: across land, air, and sea, our people have broken down the artificial barriers of the Zionist entity.” 

The blowback has been swift, sparking First Amendment debates and arguments over what constitutes antisemitism.

Columbia University has banned an SJP chapter, as well as Jewish Voice for Peace, through the end of the semester. 

“This decision was made after the two groups repeatedly violated University policies related to holding campus events, culminating in an unauthorized event Thursday afternoon that proceeded despite warnings and included threatening rhetoric and intimidation,” said school Vice President Gerald Rosberg.