CAIR-NY Condemns NYU Law’s Retaliatory Ban on Students During Finals, Urges Immediate Reversal of Sanctions Over Anti-Genocide Activism
(NEW YORK, NY, 5/1/25) – The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) is calling on New York University School of Law to immediately lift retaliatory sanctions against 28 students who have been barred from law school buildings during finals season, despite a lack of formal disciplinary process or justification.
SEE: Instagram Post
SEE: Law students call for defined suspension policy, divestment in meeting with dean
These students, many of whom have been designated persona non grata (PNG) for over 50 days, were suddenly informed that they were barred from NYU Law School’s facilities during finals season. This directive followed a peaceful study-in held in front of Dean Troy McKenzie’s office on Tuesday, where students reaffirmed their demands. Among these demands were divestment from complicity of the genocide and amnesty for students penalized for their political advocacy and pro-Palestinian stances.
In a statement, CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher, Esq. said:
“This is a disturbing escalation of NYU Law’s ongoing pattern of suppressing student speech through inconsistent and obscure disciplinary procedures. Targeting students during critical academic periods, like finals, without warning or due process, contradicts the university’s purported commitment to fostering free speech and academic growth. This is a clear act of retaliation, consistent with the recent trend among American universities using punitive measures to silence student activism. Our solidarity remains with the student movement for Palestine, and we continue to stand firm in our commitment to free speech and justice.”
Over the last year, CAIR-NY has reaffirmed its support for NYU student dissent and organizing efforts for Palestine.
SEE: CAIR-NY Condemns NYU’s Collective Punishment of Pro-Palestine Students
CAIR launched its “Unhostile Campus Campaign” aimed at fostering a campus environment in which Palestinian, Muslim, Arab, Jewish, and other students, faculty, and staff opposing the genocide in Gaza enjoy free speech and academic freedom and are not subjected to state force or university discipline due to their viewpoints.
CAIR previously designated NYU as an institution of particular concern due to reported incidents, policies, and discriminatory practices targeting Palestinian, Muslim, Arab, Jewish, and other individuals opposing the occupation, apartheid, and genocide.
Other institutions of particular concern may be found at: https://islamophobia.org/category/hostile-campuses/
Students, staff, and faculty who wish for their university or college campus to be considered as a potential “institution of particular concern” should complete the ‘Report a Hostile Campus’ form.
The organization adds a disclaimer that the form is intended solely to inform CAIR’s ‘UnHostile Campus Campaign.’ Students, faculty, and affiliates seeking CAIR’s legal and advocacy services should continue to contact their local office or chapter, or in the event that there is no local chapter, file a formal report with CAIR’s National Civil Rights Department.
CAIR-NY's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR-NY 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: Afaf Nasher, Esq., Executive Director, anasher@cair.com, 917-669-4006; CAIR-NY Communications Team, comms@ny.cair.com