(CLEVELAND, OH, 5/14/24) – Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) sent an email to more than 40 students and staff involved in Palestine advocacy notifying them that their involvement in the anti-genocide encampment was being investigated and they are interim Persona Non-Grata from the university which includes attending their commencement ceremony. Two law students’ degrees are being withheld pending the investigation as commencement approaches this week.

The email from the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards:

In 2022, the Undergraduate Student Government voted in favor of a resolution which encouraged the university to investigate how its funds are invested in Israeli companies, the Case Western Reserve Observer reported. Students have reported to CAIR-Ohio push-back and hostilities from the university.

This recent alleged retaliation comes after a series of reported incidents from CWRU students. Students involved in Students for Justice in Palestine (CWRU-SJP) have reported to CAIR-Ohio of alleged targeting from the administration for their Palestine advocacy resulting in the suspension of the student organization. Fines have been issued on some of the students.

CAIR-Ohio and Palestine Legal have been working with the students to navigate this injustice.

CAIR-Ohio Executive Director Faten Odeh stated:

“Instead of commending these students for a job well-done for standing against the inhumanity of the genocide and starvation of innocent civilians in Gaza, the Case Western administration has decided to punish these students and rob them of their earned once in a lifetime opportunity to accept their degrees on stage. This is an utter shame and disgrace to the university and education.”

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. CAIR-Ohio’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims. CAIR-Ohio has offices in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland.

La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.

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CONTACT: CAIR-Ohio, Cleveland & Northern Ohio Executive Director Faten Odeh, fodeh@cair.com, 216-440-2247