ABC 7: DePaul students call for university to reinstate Palestinian-based student organization
CHICAGO (WLS) -- DePaul students are demanding the university reinstate a Palestinian-based student organization.
Students claim the group was suspended last year.
Students who were members of the Students for Justice in Palestine chapter at DePaul say their organization was sanctioned in 2024, and they were told it would be suspended through 2027.
They say that decision was a direct response to their speaking out against injustices against Palestinian people.
"I should be looking forward to graduating, celebrating everything I am in my school," Palestinian student Tes said.
Through tears, Tes told the story of how her experience attending DePaul had only made her feel more marginalized, even questioning the possibility of her diploma being stripped away.
"My parents automatically were like, 'Was this the right decision?'" Tes said. "We've seen students from different universities having their diplomas taken away, them not being able to walk the stage."
She rallied Tuesday with other students who share the same feelings of discrimination on campus.
They say they received a letter from the university in 2024 stating that the Students for Justice in Palestine chapter would be sanctioned, claiming the chapter was antisemitic.
The letter was received after a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus was dismantled.
The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, or CAIR, said that organization has now been suspended for the next two years.
"We have filed discrimination complaints with the Illinois Department of Human Rights. It is why we are committed to pushing for transparency, accountability and justice. Because this moment is more than one campus," said Estrella Vazquez, district director for state Rep. Lilian Jimenez.
Their efforts have garnered support from other religious leaders.
"It is not antisemitic to be in solidarity with Palestinians," said Rabbi Brant Rosen, with Tzedek Chicago.
"DePaul, you need to check yourself out. Live up to your Vincentian mission. Or take the name Vincentian and take the name Catholic off your identity," said Father Michael Pfleger, with Saint Sabina Church.
The DePaul campus has been a hot spot for conflict between supporters of Israelis and Palestinians.
Hate crime charges were filed after two Jewish students were attacked outside a student center.
DePaul said in a statement, "As a Catholic institution, DePaul University compassionately upholds the dignity of all members of our diverse, multi-faith, and inclusive community. DePaul has no tolerance for any act of hatred or discrimination.
"The university is steadfastly committed to investigating every reported complaint of harassment or discrimination. Students, faculty and staff can report incidents online, by email, by phone, or in-person. Anonymous reporting options are also available. These reporting mechanisms are publicly stated in related university policies, posted on flyers on our campuses, and routinely publicized to our community in email communications.
"Free expression is a core value at DePaul. We draw a distinction between protected speech and action that violates our Code of Student Responsibility. Following a Student Conduct Process, this student organization was found to be in violation of multiple university policies and was sanctioned accordingly."