MEDIA ADVISORY: CAIR-Chicago, Civil Rights Partners to Respond to Hearing on Northwestern U Lawsuit on Training that Silences Palestinian Identity, Chills Political Expression
-For Immediate Release-
CHICAGO, IL, (10/20/2025) – Later today, the Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago) will host a news conference with Kapitan Gomaa Law, P.C., Hawks Quindel S.C., Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez, Northwestern faculty, and advocates immediately following a hearing on Northwestern student plaintiffs’ petition for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO).
The TRO hearing stems from a federal class-action lawsuit filed against Northwestern University on behalf of Northwestern Graduate Workers for Palestine (GW4P) and affected students. The lawsuit challenges Northwestern’s coercive and discriminatory “antisemitism” training, which allegedly forces students to equate anti-Zionism with antisemitism under threat of registration holds, disciplinary action, or expulsion.
SEE MORE—Chicago Tribune: Some Northwestern students boycotting antibias training
WHAT: Press conference following hearing on lawsuit against Northwestern University over biased “antisemitism” training
WHEN: Monday, October 20, 2025 — Hearing begins at 1:00 p.m. (Courtroom 1719). Press conference will follow immediately after the hearing or by COB 5:00 p.m.
WHERE: Federal Center Plaza, across from Dirksen Federal Courthouse (219 South Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60604)
LIVESTREAM: www.facebook.com/cairchicago
WHO:
Atty. Rima Kapitan, Kapitan Gomaa Law, P.C.
Atty. Christina Abraham, CAIR-Chicago
Dr. Rebecca Zorach, Northwestern University Faculty
Jonah S. Rubin, Senior Manager of Campus Organizing, Jewish Voice for Peace
Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th Ward)
MEDIA & ATTENDEE GUIDELINES:
Members of the press, Northwestern students, faculty, and the greater Evanston and Chicago community are encouraged to attend the hearing. MUST bring valid ID to enter the courthouse. No banners or disruptions inside the courtroom. Dress neutrally, be respectful, and arrive punctually.
Attendees should gather in the outdoor Federal Plaza across from the courthouse immediately following the hearing (exact time TBD or by 5:00 p.m. COB).
BACKGROUND:
The lawsuit, filed October 15, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, accuses Northwestern University of violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. § 2000d et seq. (“Title VI”), the Civil Rights Act of 1866 (“Section 1981”), and the Illinois Worker Freedom of Speech Act, 820 ILCS 57, alleging that the university’s mandatory training silences Palestinian identity, punishes solidarity, and chills protected political expression on campus.
CAIR-Chicago’s mission is to defend civil rights, fight bigotry, and promote tolerance.
CONTACT: Hafsa Haider, Communications Director of CAIR-Chicago, 561-317-7509, hhaider@cair.com | Rima Kapitan, Esq., Kapitan Gomaa Law, P.C., rima@kapitangomaa.com | Maria Bolaños, Esq., Hawks Quindel S.C., mnbolanos@hq-law.com | Christina Abraham, Esq., CAIR-Chicago, cabraham@cair.com
