COLUMBIA, Mo. — A federal judge ruled Friday that Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of Missouri may participate in the homecoming parade this weekend, provided they adhere to the university’s policy against political messaging during the event.
The organization had filed a lawsuit against the university, claiming that officials infringed on their rights to free speech when they denied the group’s request to be part of the parade. U.S. District Judge Stephen Bough granted a preliminary injunction, indicating that the group has a substantial chance of success with their First Amendment claims.
Initially, the group sought to display signs with the message “Stop the Genocide” during the parade. However, it remains unclear if this messaging will be permitted, as university policies explicitly ban political expressions at the event. According to the university’s guidelines, the homecoming parade is intended to honor the institution and its supporters, rather than serve as a platform for protests.
Attorneys for university President Mun Choi cited safety concerns as a reason for rejecting the group’s initial participation request. They referenced a prior incident involving a member of the pro-Palestinian group who faced student conduct charges related to stalking, which resulted in restrictions on her presence on campus. The university’s legal team also highlighted issues of violence that have occurred at similar protests nationwide.
However, Judge Bough dismissed the safety argument, stating that concerns should address the group as a whole rather than incidents involving individual members. He emphasized that while safety is an important aspect for the university, it does not justify outright exclusion.
Ahmad Kaki, an attorney with the Council on American-Islamic Relations National, representing the student organization, proclaimed the ruling a “victory” for those advocating for Palestinian rights. He expressed hope that this decision will resonate with other public universities facing similar issues.
“This is a win for students nationwide who wish to advocate for the Palestinian people in Gaza amidst ongoing crisis,” Kaki said.
Additionally, the University of Missouri rejected requests from other organizations, such as Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and the League of Women Voters, to take part in the parade, indicating a broader context of the university’s strict adherence to its no-political-speech policy.
The upcoming homecoming celebration will be a crucial moment not just for the participating groups but also for the ongoing dialogue surrounding the balance of free speech and political expression on university campuses.
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