NYU accused by Pro-Palestine students of supporting violence

On Wednesday afternoon, a disturbing flyer was discovered in the bathroom of New York University Law School’s Vanderbilt Hall, sparking fear and concern among students. The flyer contained a chilling message calling for violence against Palestinian and pro-Palestinian students on campus.

The printed message, which was shared with Middle East Eye, urged fellow Jews to stop trying to educate “Hamas apologists” and instead advocated for hurting them. It went on to make derogatory remarks about Palestinians, terrorists, and antisemites, promising retaliation and a threat to make a past incident look like “child’s play.”

The anonymous nature of the flyer left students unable to determine whether it was a genuine threat or a hoax. The fact that it was found on a day when the university allows unrestricted access to campus for prospective students raised concerns that the threat could be coming from outside the university.

As student organizers braced for a potential worst-case scenario, they criticized the university’s response as slow, disappointing, and underwhelming. They accused the institution of fostering an environment of discrimination that left Palestinian, Arab, Muslim, and pro-Palestinian students vulnerable on campus.

Two days after the threat was reported, the office of the dean of the law school sent out an email vaguely referencing “despicable messages” on campus without specifically addressing the targeting of Palestinians and pro-Palestinian students. This lack of transparency further fueled students’ frustrations with the administration.

The university spokesperson assured that the flyer was promptly removed upon discovery and reported to campus safety for investigation. However, students claimed that the flyer was still visible hours after being taken down, raising doubts about the effectiveness of the response.

Students who have been involved in activism related to Palestine expressed concerns about the university’s handling of the situation, citing a pattern of repression and discrimination. They highlighted instances where the school involved law enforcement to deal with protesters, leading to arrests and a crackdown on free speech.

In response to the university’s actions, student groups representing Middle Eastern and North African students, Muslims, and supporters of Palestine issued a statement condemning NYU for creating an unsafe environment for pro-Palestinian students. They demanded a thorough investigation into the incident, transparent communication about addressing anti-Palestinian racism, and the dropping of disciplinary actions against activists.

The students also called for divestment from companies involved in Israel’s occupation of Palestine and expressed their intention to prioritize their safety in the face of perceived indifference from the administration. With final exams approaching and the need to be physically present on campus, students felt compelled to take matters into their own hands to ensure their well-being.

As tensions rise and concerns mount, the NYU community grapples with the aftermath of a disturbing threat that has exposed underlying issues of discrimination and marginalization on campus. Students are determined to advocate for their rights and safety in the face of adversity, calling for accountability and action from the university to address systemic injustices.