SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — Rutgers University-New Brunswick has suspended the Students for Justice in Palestine chapter for the 2024-25 school year.
The Rutgers chapter was suspended last year for “disruptive” on-campus events and demonstrations over the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, which the university said violated the school’s code of conduct. The university reinstated the chapter in January but put it on probation.
After a thorough review of SJP member conduct, Rutgers said the chapter will not be officially recognized as a student organization this year, meaning it cannot reserve meeting rooms, participate in campus activities, join intramural sports or serve on councils.
Rutgers officials said the encampment protests during the spring semester’s finals week violated the group’s probation.
In response, SJP called this “Strike 2” against Rutgers, saying in a statement that the university should hold itself accountable for what activists claim is anti-Palestinian discrimination.
The group demands divestment from any company with ties to Israel, as well as termination of the partnership between Rutgers and Tel Aviv University.
Rutgers said SJP has the option to appeal the decision but so far hasn’t done so. The suspension is in effect until July 2025.