NYU Student Suspended After Tearing Down Israeli Hostage Posters
NYU has taken disciplinary action against a first-year student who was caught on video tearing down posters of Israeli hostages on campus. The student, Hafiza Khalique, has been suspended from the university from the end of fall 2023 until the end of fall 2024. The incident took place outside the Stern School of Business and violated the University Student Conduct Policy, according to an email from the Office of Student Conduct. Khalique alleged that the university had initially reassured her that suspension or expulsion were not on the table.
The Office of Student Conduct email stated that Khalique’s actions violated the policy of vandalizing university or other people’s property, as well as the Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment policies. Consequently, she has been prohibited from participating in any meetings or events organized by student organizations since receiving the email. The email also mentioned that during a meeting on October 27, Khalique was informed about a potential disciplinary sanction following the poster incident.
The fact remains that the posters related to the recent attacks by Hamas which targeted Jewish and Israeli people, and the posters displayed victims of those attacks, the email explained. Accordingly, OSC has determined that the act of tearing down the posters is inherently based on the actual or perceived national origin, ethnicity and/or shared ancestry of Israelis and individuals of Jewish ancestry.
In response to NYU’s decision, Khalique appealed on November 17, but she is yet to receive a response from the university. Six on-campus groups, including Students for Justice in Palestine and Faculty for Justice in Palestine, have demanded Khalique’s reinstatement and started an online petition that has garnered over 6,700 signatures. They are also calling for a public apology from the university for its alleged failure to protect vulnerable students.
Khalique, who took down the posters believing they were propaganda used to whitewash the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, faced significant backlash after the incident. She revealed that she experienced racism and fatphobic harassment, and even received threats of violence and deportation. Despite the challenges, Khalique stands by her actions, stating, It was an act of supporting Palestinian liberation unequivocally. It was an act of standing against genocide, and I am proud to be on the right side of history.
Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, NYU has reviewed over 90 student conduct cases related to the conflict. Several students have faced disciplinary action, including substantial suspensions. Khalique confirmed that she is one of the cases referenced in the university’s report.
The decision to suspend Khalique has sparked a debate on campus and within the wider community, with opinions divided regarding freedom of expression and the boundaries of activism. The controversy highlights the challenges universities face in addressing complex and sensitive topics while maintaining an inclusive and respectful environment for all students.
