UW‑Madison has suspended its Students for Justice in Palestine chapter until 2026 after a probe found it repeatedly violated campus rules during a disruptive protest targeting a former U.S. ambassador’s speech.
The University of Wisconsin‑Madison has handed down a severe 18‑month suspension to its Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapter, citing multiple violations tied to an April anti-Israel protest that disrupted a scheduled on-campus event.
The disciplinary action, effective July 15, 2024, will bar the group from campus activities until January 15, 2026, followed by a disciplinary probation period through May 15, 2026. The decision follows a university conduct investigation into an organized protest that derailed a talk by former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas‑Greenfield.
According to UW‑Madison spokesperson John Lucas, the disruption was “linked to a rally advertised and co‑sponsored by SJP” and violated “multiple rules”.
Five Policy Violations
A university hearing committee determined the group violated five separate campus policies, including:
- Using amplified sound in restricted areas
- Disrupting university operations
- Failing to follow regulations for distributing printed materials
- Ignoring campus security protocols
- Engaging in protest activities without authorization
The April protest occurred while SJP was already serving a 10‑month probation for leading an unauthorized pro‑Palestinian encampment earlier in the spring.
Pattern of Sanctions Nationwide
This is not the first time SJP chapters have faced disciplinary action for anti-Israel activism:
- George Washington University suspended its SJP chapter in November 2023 after members projected anti-Israel slogans onto a campus library. Further sanctions followed in August 2024 for encampment activity, extending its suspension through May 18, 2026.
- Columbia University suspended both SJP and Jewish Voice for Peace in November 2023, citing repeated violations of event policies.
- Brandeis University outright revoked recognition of SJP, stating the group “openly supports Hamas.”
- University of Maryland revoked a permit for an anti-Israel vigil in October 2023 on the anniversary of Hamas’ deadly attack, prompting SJP to file a federal lawsuit.
Ongoing Appeal
The UW‑Madison chapter has appealed the suspension, but until a reversal is granted, the group will be barred from campus activity for more than a year and a half.
The university says the action reflects a clear pattern of rule‑breaking that disrupted campus order and violated student conduct codes.
