A federal court has ruled that the University of Maryland must allow the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) to hold their planned October 7 vigil, citing freedom of speech protections. The event, an interfaith vigil intended to mourn the lives lost in Gaza, had sparked significant controversy, with opponents accusing the group of insensitivity for scheduling it on the anniversary of Hamas’s attack on Israel.
SJP initially received approval to hold the event on McKeldin Mall on Oct.7, but the university later revoked this decision for that date following public outcry and safety concerns raised by campus police. In a statement from President Darryll J. Pines, the university said it would only allow university-sponsored events on that day to promote reflection and unity. However, SJP, represented by Palestine Legal and the Council on American-Islamic Relations, filed a lawsuit, arguing the revocation violated their First Amendment rights.
In his ruling, U.S. District Judge Peter Messitte sided with SJP, granting a preliminary injunction to allow the event to proceed as originally planned. He stated that the university’s decision was not neutral and appeared to be influenced by the controversial nature of the event rather than legitimate safety concerns.
“Free speech as guaranteed by the First Amendment may be the most important law this country has,” the judge noted, adding that while the event may be highly controversial, it remains protected speech.
Despite concerns from some community members, the court’s decision ensures that SJP’s event will go forward, with the university working to develop a security plan for the day.
