Pro-Palestinian students receive code of conduct violations related to actions

In response to University of Oregon violations issued related to actions taken by pro-Palestinian student protesters, about 70 individuals gathered on the Eugene campus this week to rally support.

According to the UO Palestine Coalition, a conglomerate of several UO student groups calling for an end to violence in Gaza, UO has issued code of conduct violations to 11 who had been involved with the pro-Palestinian movement on campus since July 31.

The 25-day-long student encampment started April 29. Protest activities included rallies with megaphones, concerts, marches, posting signage and other demonstrations.

Members of the coalition stated that five of the individuals who were issued conduct violations were considered for suspension or expulsion from UO.

However, suspension and expulsion are no longer being considered. All 11 students still face possible consequences that would go on their conduct records.

Carver Goldstein, a graduate student and graduate employee in the physics department, was one of the rally speakers Thursday.

Those five that had been considered for suspension or expulsion had been caught on video writing in chalk near or on Johnson Hall. Goldstein alleged that that video was taken on May 12, before the encampment relocated from the Knight Library Lawn to in front of and across from Johnson Hall.

"It's disappointing that the university is going after peaceful protesters," Goldstein said. "Chalk is not damage to property as much as the university seems to think it is. It's clearly just an attempt to intimidate and attack peaceful protesters."

The rally encouraged students and community members who attended to write in chalk on the sidewalk. Phrases like "not on our dime," "is this vandalism?," "UO prefers funding genocide over free speech" and "free Palestine" were written.

"No one was charged based on involvement with the encampment," stated UO via email. "Any student conduct charges were made against students based on activities that violated the student conduct code. These behaviors include Disruptive Behavior, Damage and/or Destruction, Unauthorized Access or Use, and Violation of University Policy."

UO did not disclose further details about what specific consequences the charged students could face. Educational disciplinary records fall under Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act protections.

Goldstein said that the students who have been charged with violations range from those who were leaders among the pro-Palestinian protests as well as low-profile participants.

Goldstein alleged that the students charged had been identified through Board of Trustees public comment , in which students are required to give their names to speak to the board.

"Student identification and supporting documentation is needed to initiate student conduct proceedings," UO stated. "The students who chose to attend the Board of Trustees meeting shared their names in a public forum."

"I certainly think the university is afraid that there will be protests next year, and they're doing what they can now to essentially intimidate us into not protesting," Goldstein said. "That's very much what I think these charges are for, to make an example out of people and scare people.

"I don't think it will work."

UO's response

UO reaffirmed that these recent conduct actions are unrelated to the content of the student's speech or expression.

"UO is committed to fostering an environment that values and encourages free speech and expression," UO stated. "We believe that the open exchange of ideas is fundamental to our educational mission and the growth of our students as critical thinkers and engaged citizens."

UO also stated that the charges were "related to incidents that occurred before and after" the agreement signed on May 22 , which ended the on-campus encampment.

That agreement stated that individual students would not be disciplined for their participation in activities sponsored by the encampment that did not violate university policies . UO President Karl Scholz's statement had said, "We will view student cooperation and goodwill in reaching a settlement as a mitigating factor in adjudicating student conduct violations."

"Keep in mind that resolving student conduct violations focuses on educational, restorative efforts, and it is student-centered," UO stated. "Any consequence depends greatly on the specifics of the transgression and precedent. Decisions made by the student conduct office may also be appealed."

Miranda Cyr reports on education for The Register-Guard. You can contact her at mcyr@registerguard.com or find her on Twitter @mirandabcyr

This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Pro-Palestinian students receive code of conduct violations related to actions