News Americas, New York, NY, October 2, 2024: The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has issued strong criticism of Maryland’s Caribbean-born governor, Wes Moore, for his statement regarding a federal court ruling allowing an interfaith vigil organized by Students in Justice in Palestine (SJP) at the University of Maryland. . The event is scheduled for October 7, 2024 and has sparked debate.
Governor Moore commented on the decision, saying, “While I deeply respect the rule of law and due process, I believe that October 7th is an inappropriate date for such an event. The day should be remembered for the horrific terrorist attack on Israel a year ago by Hamas, which claimed innocent lives. What I do know is that students at the University of Maryland have a right to feel safe, and we will work with local and university officials to ensure their safety.
In response, CAIR disputed the governor’s framing of the event as a “protest,” clarifying that the interfaith vigil was organized by Palestinian and Jewish students to honor the civilians killed on October 7, 2023, as well as those affected by the ongoing violence. in Gaza. “Nothing about an interfaith vigil should be controversial,” CAIR noted, adding that Governor Moore’s statement puts students at risk in an environment where hate speech and crimes against pro-Palestinian students are on the rise.
The organization also stressed that efforts to block the event undermine free speech, stating that it will continue to defend the First Amendment. “Universities must respect students’ rights to mourn and express solidarity,” said Gadeir Abbas, CAIR’s Deputy Director of Judicial Affairs, after the court ruled in favor of allowing the vigil. Similarly, Palestine Legal, which sued the university along with CAIR, hailed the decision as a victory for free speech and student activism in support of Palestinian rights.
This legal battle arose amid a broader trend of universities across the country implementing stricter rules to control protests. The University of Maryland had initially pulled the permit for the event after pressure from pro-Israel groups, but a federal court ruled the university’s actions violated constitutional rights.
Tori Porell of Palestine Legal emphasized the importance of the decision, saying, “This decision is a victory for all students who speak out for Palestinian freedom across the country.”
