Students across the nation are taking a stand on the Israel and Gaza conflict by organizing protests on college campuses, urging their institutions to divest from Israeli-connected investments. However, participating in these protests could have severe and lasting consequences, including criminal charges and loss of financial aid.
While free speech is a protected right, protestors can still be arrested. The Appeal, a nonprofit news organization, reports that nearly 2,500 campus protestors have been arrested nationwide since April 17. But arrest is not the only potential consequence. Students at various universities have faced disciplinary actions such as suspension and expulsion for their involvement in protests. In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis even warned students that they could be expelled for participating in protests.
Amanda Nordstrom, a program officer for campus rights advocacy with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, explains that while students have the right to protest on campus, colleges can still impose restrictions on the time, place, and manner of student speech in public areas.
One major consequence of participating in protests is the risk of losing financial aid. Colleges have the authority to cancel or deny institutional financial aid, such as scholarships or grants, if a student violates the university’s code of conduct. Additionally, state scholarships may be at risk if a student is disciplined as a result of a protest, especially if it involves criminal charges.
Maintaining satisfactory academic progress is crucial for financial aid eligibility. If a student fails to meet the standards set by their college for grades and credits, they could lose their financial aid. This requirement came as a surprise to some protestors, as schools like Columbia University warned students that they could lose credit for the current semester.
Federal aid limits also pose a challenge for students involved in protests. There are strict annual and aggregate loan limits for Pell Grants and federal student loans, and losing credit for a semester could push students closer to reaching those limits before completing their education.
Furthermore, students who are expelled may face difficulties transferring to another college or university to finish their education. Credit transfer is not always seamless, and students may lose a significant amount of progress, leading to additional costs to complete their degree.
In addition, new legislation in some states could affect future aid eligibility for individuals convicted of crimes related to protests. Lawmakers in states like California, Texas, and Iowa have introduced bills that would make those convicted of protest-related crimes ineligible for federal financial aid.
Despite the risks, some students may still choose to participate in protests. Nordstrom advises students to familiarize themselves with campus rules and educate themselves on legal basics to ensure their rights are respected. Students who face disciplinary actions or loss of financial aid may be able to appeal the decisions and continue attending classes while the appeal process is ongoing.
Ultimately, participating in campus protests can have significant consequences for students, including criminal charges, loss of financial aid, and challenges in completing their education. It is important for students to weigh the potential risks before getting involved in protests and to understand the potential consequences for their academic and financial future.