Case Western Reserve University has issued a statement that it has started a student conduct investigation into some students who participated in an encampment protesting the Israel-Hamas war.
According to the university, it is temporarily withholding degrees from some students who may have been involved in the unsanctioned encampment while it investigates.
Additionally, CWRU said that it had sent notices to other individuals who were involved with the encampment prohibiting them from the campus.
"These actions follow repeated warnings from President Eric W. Kaler to those remaining in the unsanctioned encampment and, later, to those blocking access to Adelbert Hall that their actions violated university policies and would result in referral to the appropriate conduct process," the university said.
The encampment lasted nearly two weeks. Student protesters called for the school to disclose and divest in funds tied to Israel — something that, according to the Ohio Revised Code, is illegal for public schools but not private schools such as CWRU.
Michael Grimm told News 5 he was set to get his doctorate this week from the School of Law at Case Western Reserve University.
He said his degree is being withheld, and he can't participate in graduation or commencement.
He reports more than 50 Case Western Reserve University students received e-mails declaring they are also "Persona Non-Grata" due to their participation in the pro-Palestine demonstrations and encampment.
The students must meet with university officials to figure out the next steps of disciplinary action and if they can file an appeal.
Grimm said his mother is upset she won't get to see him walk across the stage at graduation.
He said he's doing his part to bring change.
He said the university's actions were a clear violation of free speech.
"I got an e-mail from George O'Connell at the University's Admin who, basically said that, yeah, you're interim Persona Non-Grata, no participation in graduation or commencement and that your degree is on hold," said Michael Grimm, Case Western Reserve University Law Student."You know, the paper is a piece of paper that the, that the Ohio Supreme Court wants me to have for me to do this with a license. But as far as I'm concerned, you know, it's advocating for the people who need it the most, the people of Gaza, especially Rafah right now."
Another protester who is graduating, who didn't want to identify, said he's disappointment in the university's response.
"It was unfortunate to see my father cry after receiving the news I will not be attending," said the graduating senior.
Another senior who also didn't feel comfortable identifying wasn't sure what all "persona non grata" included tried to attend a senior event Thursday.
"I got this shirt and there were supposed to be activities where you get drinks and food, but even after I did the check-in, I got an email that said, 'I was still under investigation and that I could not attend of those events', so I had to leave," said the protester.
Case Western Reserve University issued the following notice for commencement celebrations, which begin Wednesday.
It highlights a number of new security measures, including:
- Metal detectors, bag screenings and visual inspection of clothing.
- Prohibited items, including signage, banners and flags, and larger bags.
- Ticketing for convocation and all diploma ceremonies held in Veale Convocation, Recreation and Athletic Center and the Maltz Center for Performing Arts; and
- ID checks (CWRU ID or other photo identification, e.g., driver’s license) for all attendees at convocation events and for graduating students at all diploma ceremonies.
For more information, click here.
According to the Palestine Task Force Cleveland, the university has sent around a dozen emails to students naming them persona non grata, "a status which limits their ability to access campus, and bans them from participating in commencement services."
Read the full statement from Palestine Task Force Cleveland below:
CWRU President Doles Out Discriminatory Persona Non Grata to Student Protestors
5/13/2024
In the last two days, CWRU President Eric Kaler, has issued over a dozen emails naming CWRU students as “persona non grata,” a status which limits their ability to access campus, and bans them from participating in commencement services. For some students, the university is threatening to delay their degree conferral. These emails are confusing in their execution of university policy, and are leaving students with many questions regarding the motivations behind these letters.
The deeming of student protestors as persona non grata for exercising their right to free speech comes on the heels of years of discriminatory practices in which these students utilized institutionally sanctioned methods for expressing their demands regarding investment of their tuition dollars into companies that sell weapons to countries that violate international law and human rights, including Israel. For example, in 2022 the student organizers passed a resolution through their undergraduate student body with overwhelming approval to honor the students divestment calls. A similar resolution was passed in the graduate student body just last week. Student protestors were also doused in toxic paint for utilizing the campus spirit wall to share their dreams for peace and liberation.
While Kaler has spent years dismissing these calls for divestment from war crimes, he has been in regular communication with other students who have promoted things like “barbecuing Gaza.” Now, he is now banning Palestinian students and those who speak up for Palestinian rights from campus and threatening to withhold their degrees. They have not issued such letters to any of the students whose views align with Kalers, or outside agitators who walked through student protestors chanting anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian slurs. The university calls for student safety have only been calls for safety of some students, at the expense of others, based on their Palestinian heritage or their support of those with Palestinian heritage.
CWRU's Students for Justice In Palestine organization posted on Instagram Monday called the university's actions an "attack" on students and claimed that the actual number suspended was over 40 people and included students as well as some staff members.
Over 40 students and staff have been suspended, prohibited from attending their own graduation and their hard-earned degrees withheld, and or banned from CWRU campus for exercising their right to advocate for Palestine and Divestment at the encampment.
Students and staff were not given notice and chosen at random, another action in a long list of this University’s egregious incompetence and weaponization of procedure to silence and chill Palestinian advocacy on campus.
This is the time, more than ever, to support the students and staff. Beyond just contacting the Administration, signing the petition is a concrete way to show support for their cause.
Like, comment, and share to spread the word and help apply pressure on the disgraceful administration to DEFEND THOSE BEING ATTACKED!
CWRU said it wouldn't comment further on the matter. Students are able to file appeals with the university.
Read previous coverage of the encampment below:
- Students say while Case Western Encampment is coming to a close, there is more to come
- CWRU pro-Palestine protestors spray-painted by painters covering spirit wall mural
- CWRU protesters expand encampment despite calls from university to disband
- Here's what to know about day 4 of the CWRU encampment
- Pro-Palestine demonstrators firm in demands at CWRU; here's how some Jewish students feel
- Can Ohio's public universities divest from Israel? State law says no
- Case Western Reserve protesters demand divestment. What does that look like?
- Case Western Reserve University allows students to continue demonstration overnight
