Universities face varying legal outcomes over student protest suspensions

Universities in the United Kingdom and the United States have reached different legal conclusions regarding the suspension of students involved in pro-Palestine protests.

King's College London has reinstated Usama Ghanem following a year-long legal dispute. Ghanem was previously suspended for misconduct during protest activities, which included charges of intimidating behavior and causing reputational damage. The university stated that while the original reasons for suspension were upheld, a review determined that Ghanem had met the necessary conditions for re-enrolment. The university will provide the documentation required for him to apply for a new student visa.

In the United States, a federal court ruled against Ammer Qaddumi, a former student leader at the University of Texas, in a lawsuit challenging his suspension. Qaddumi argued his First Amendment rights were violated after he disobeyed a directive to cancel an on-campus protest in April 2024. However, Judge Robert Pitman ruled in favor of the university, citing precedent that allows institutions to prohibit expression if it is anticipated to disrupt academic activities. The judge noted that the university applied a “viewpoint-neutral” policy, meaning the rules were applied regardless of political belief.