Pro-Palestinian Protesters Disrupt Rutgers University Town Hall, President Escorted Out by Police

On Thursday, April 4, 2024, a town hall at Rutgers University was interrupted by a group of "out of control" pro-Palestinian protesters. The protesters shouted anti-Israel slogans like "one solution, intifada revolution" and forced officials to end the meeting early. According to a student who preferred to remain anonymous, Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway and administrators left the meeting, leaving behind Jewish/pro-Israel students to deal with the unruly and antisemitic crowd.

The student mentioned that police were then forced to usher the students out the back door due to safety concerns. Attorney Cory Rothbort, who is representing student Rivka Schafer along with another student, described the experience as "horrifying" for the Jewish students in attendance. Schafer had attended the town hall in the hope of getting answers from President Holloway about the protection of Jewish students on campus.

BDS Referendums

Rothbort explained that the town hall, hosted by the Rutgers University Student Assembly, included two BDS (boycott, divest, and sanction) referendums related to severing ties with Tel Aviv University and divesting from anything connected to Israel. He emphasized that BDS is specifically targeted at the Jewish state of Israel, aiming to economically isolate and discriminate against it.

Rothbort also highlighted incidents of antisemitic behavior, including the targeting of Schafer by 80 students at her dorm. Flyers with pro-Palestinian language connected to the BDS referendum were posted outside her room and throughout the entire dormitory on every floor, which made her feel "completely unsafe" and "targeted" for her religious beliefs.

Response and Defense

Rutgers' administration was reportedly made aware that a BDS referendum could provoke antisemitic conduct, but they chose not to take any action. Holloway even defended the decision not to shut down the referendum in an email to students, citing trusting student government and expecting responsible civic practice from the students.

Rothbort stressed that much of the antisemitic behavior occurs through typical school bullying behavior, such as online messaging applications, and not necessarily in open confrontations. He also criticized Rutgers for defending its "inaction" on "First Amendment grounds," stating that the First Amendment doesn't protect speech that incites violence or hateful conduct.

Evaluation and Legal Action

Regarding potential legal action, Rothbort mentioned ongoing criminal investigation and evaluation of options, emphasizing the obligation of Rutgers and other colleges to prevent students from being bullied, intimidated, harassed, and discriminated against because of their religion or other characteristics.

Rutgers University responded to the town hall incident, explaining that the disruption was caused by students who objected to President Holloway’s belief regarding the BDS movement and his support for continuing Rutgers’ partnership with Tel Aviv University. The statement also emphasized the university's commitment to engagement rather than isolation and its belief that progress and peace are outcomes of diplomacy and discussion.

President Holloway expressed his view on the BDS movement, stating that he believes in engagement, not isolation, and that enlightenment comes from involvement. He emphasized the importance of lasting progress and peace as outcomes of diplomacy and discussion. Additionally, he noted the university’s partnership with Tel Aviv University as contributing to its fundamental academic and research mission.