Temple University took action against the organization Students for Justice in Palestine by issuing an interim suspension on Tuesday following a disruptive protest at a job fair last week.
The incident occurred on Thursday, Sept. 26, during a College of Engineering event at the Howard Gittis Student Center, resulting in four arrests, including one student, by campus police.
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“Temple police supervisors attempted to communicate with several demonstrators who ignored their contact,” stated the university. “While some demonstrators eventually followed warnings to leave the building, several individuals were noncompliant and physically engaged our police officers.”
A group of 12 to 15 people disrupted the event by chanting, shouting, and cursing through a megaphone, according to reports.
“This interim suspension applies to all operations related to SJP, including meetings, activities, socials, and philanthropic events,” Temple stated, adding that the bans were in accordance with the Student Conduct Code.
A social media post from Students for Justice in Palestine explained that the protest was against the presence of weapons manufacturers at the career fair. The group claimed that protesters began leaving on their own before being confronted by police officers who made arrests.
Allegations of police misconduct, including assault and removal of a hijab, were made by the student group. However, Temple Public Safety denied these claims after reviewing bodycam and security footage.
The four individuals arrested have been released without charges, but Temple Public Safety is coordinating with the District Attorney’s Office for potential charges of disorderly conduct and other offenses.
Students for Justice in Palestine has not yet responded to the suspension.