The recent detention of an international student protestor on the Columbia University campus by ICE agents and the Trump Administration's threat to withhold federal aid from universities that allow “illegal protests” has roiled the world of academia. Historically, college campuses have been places where public protest and vigorous dissent were encouraged as part of the free exchange of ideas. Now, students face potential discipline for exercising those rights.

Are you a college or university student facing discipline for participating in a protest or another expression of your beliefs? Today's highly charged political atmosphere generates strong emotions about many issues, and there is tremendous outside pressure on universities to respond harshly to protests. You still have First Amendment and due process rights regardless of the circumstances. The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team will defend both. Call us at 888.535.3686 or contact us online.

Trump Administration Orders Universities to Monitor Protests

The threat to withhold federal aid is not the only directive from the Trump Administration to universities about handling protests. The President also signed an executive order called “Additional Measures to Combat Antisemitism,” which instructs America's universities to observe and report the activities of students or staff who engage in activities that might be deemed Antisemitic.

International students and staff are at increased risk due to a provision in the order that singles out anyone with “pro-Jihadist” or “pro-Hamas” viewpoints. Any international students or staff reported to the government under this directive run the risk of having their student visas revoked. The loss of a student visa has numerous potential consequences, including deportation.

First Amendment Concerns

In a statement accompanying the executive order, President Trump said, “I will also quickly cancel the student visas of all Hamas sympathizers on college campuses, which have been infested with radicalism like never before.” Although Antisemitism is certainly a menace, many people are voicing concerns that the executive order could infringe on the First Amendment rights of protesters.

With that said, the Trump Administration does not pose the only threat to students' First Amendment rights. Colleges and universities depend on federal funding for a variety of needs that are vital to their ability to function. Everything from financial aid to research grants for scientific projects could be lost if the administration follows through on its threat to suspend federal financial funding for allowing “illegal protests.”

The fear of losing this funding incentivizes universities to handle student protests by identifying and dismissing students whose actions or opinions could be construed as Antisemitic or in violation of the President's executive order. However, the First Amendment protects your right to free speech, even when it's controversial. That protection applies equally to international students.

You Can Fight Free-Speech Disciplinary Sanctions

As an international student or staff member, your ability to reside in the United States is contingent on maintaining your visa status. The Constitution guarantees your right to express yourself, and your university can't misuse the student discipline process to infringe on those rights. The Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team has dedicated, skilled attorneys who protect your right to free speech and due process. Call us at 888-535-3686 or reach out to us online.