How universities have changed their policies on protest because of the war in Gaza

Columbia University, the trigger point for last spring’s wave of encampments protesting Israel’s war in Gaza at schools across the country, is restricting access to its Upper Manhattan campus this week to people with university identification and their authorized guests, and only opening five entry points. Meanwhile at the University of Michigan, the fall semester began Monday with the student government suspending funding for all campus clubs — a total of $1.3 million — until the administration agrees to divest from companies it sees as profiting from the war.

After an intense academic year marked by pro-Palestinian protests, complaints about antisemitism on campus and heated debates over the lines between free speech and student safety, colleges and universities are returning this fall with a panoply of new policies. Some schools have banned encampments entirely, while others are restricting the time, duration, location and amplification of protests. Those who wear masks may be required to produce identification.

Other campuses have new codes of conduct relating to the use of the word “Zionist” or expanded punishments for those who violate existing standards. Columbia, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of California, Berkeley, are among those either adding or newly emphasizing training about antisemitism to their student orientation programs.

Here’s a list of policy changes or other actions at some campuses. If you know of others, please email editorial@forward.com, subject line: Campus protests.

Banning or restricting encampments and other protests

Indiana University, as part of its “expressive activity” policy, now bars protests within 25 feet of university buildings, or any demonstrations that block “any building, facility, driveway, parking lot or parking ramp”
University of South Florida is banning all protests after 5 p.m. and during the final two weeks of each semester. It is also requiring approval for all on-campus tents and canopies, and saying they cannot be left out overnight without prior authorization.
Vanderbilt University is banning all demonstrations that “require individuals to sleep or gather overnight.” On-campus displays are only allowed during daylight hours and for up to three consecutive days.
University of California has prohibited encampments on its 10 campuses, and also said protesters cannot wear masks or disguises that conceal their identity
California State University has adopted the same rules for its 23 campuses.
University of Pennsylvania: No encampments or overnight demonstrations
University of Virginia is banning tents on campus unless approved, and prohibiting all structures, including tents, from being left up overnight.
James Madison University: No tents or other items used to create a shelter unless approved.
University of Connecticut has not only banned encampments but also tools used to amplify sound at outdoor gatherings.
Syracuse University now requires authorization for on-campus “use or assembly of tents or other temporary shelter structures.”

Suspending student organizations on campus …

Rutgers University has suspended its chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine until July 2025
George Washington University has also suspended its SJP chapters, along with its chapter of Jewish Voices for Peace and six other pro-Palestinian groups

… or online

Columbia University’s chapter of SJP was permanently banned on Instagram. The group received a notice from Meta stating their account “doesn’t follow our Community Guidelines.”
New York University’s People’s Solidarity Coalition, previously known as the Palestine Solidarity Committee, was suspended on Instagram

Conduct codes

New York University has new community standards that say using the terms Zionist or Zionism in a derogatory way may violate its non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies.
University of Virginia and James Madison University both now require anyone wearing a face covering to show identification if asked.
Cornell University, following vandalism on the first day of classes, outlined new and detailed consequences such as temporary academic suspension for violating its codes

Do you know of other policy changes? Please share documentation via email: editorial@forward.com, subject line: Campus protests.

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