ACLU Sues University of Pittsburgh on Behalf of Students for Justice in Palestine

As Pitt faces legal challenge, Jewish students cite fear and harassment tied to SJP protests

The University of Pittsburgh is facing a federal lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Pennsylvania after suspending its chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP-Pitt), following months of tension over protests, speech, and safety concerns on campus.

The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, claims the university unlawfully retaliated against students for engaging in political advocacy protected by the First Amendment. According to the complaint, SJP-Pitt—largely dormant before October 2023—re-emerged after the start of the Israel–Hamas war, becoming an increasingly visible presence on campus. The group is described as having sponsored “peaceful demonstrations,” educational events, and a “vibrant social-media presence” in support of Palestinian rights.

But critics say that description overlooks a pattern of conduct that, in the eyes of university officials and Jewish students, crossed the line from protest into disruption, intimidation, and harassment.

The opening of the complaint filed by the ACLU. Credit: ACLU

Protests Spark Outcry from Jewish Students and Community

One major flashpoint occurred on January 24, when SJP-Pitt and allied groups protested a Hillel-hosted event featuring Israeli actor and former IDF soldier Yadin Gellman. According to the Anti-Defamation League, demonstrators shouted “f**king Zionists” at Jewish attendees. After the protest, SJP-Pitt and co-organizers posted publicly: “We cannot allow the genocidal zionist [sic] regime to be normalized here in Pittsburgh or anywhere!”

Instagram post announcing the lawsuit. Credit SJP_PGH

That incident, along with an unauthorized “study-in” at the university’s Hillman Library, drew scrutiny from university officials. While SJP-Pitt characterized the library protest as a peaceful sit-in, administrators said it was disruptive, violated student conduct policies, and failed to follow procedures for approved demonstrations. The university also cited concerns over the group’s communications with members of the Conduct Hearing Board during active disciplinary proceedings—a potential breach of university rules.

U.S. Senator Dave McCormick had previously stated that SJP-Pitt has “called for the eradication of Israel and the Jewish people” and that “The University of Pittsburgh should cancel this event and denounce these disgraceful groups.”

Credit”: Dave McCormick on X

Beyond procedural violations, the group’s activities have left some Jewish students feeling targeted.

One Jewish sophomore described to the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle how he found a note reading “Free Palestine Pitt Divest Now” placed inside his unattended backpack during the Hillman Library protest. “I always wear a Star of David and a hostage tag,” he said. “So, it feels like they had to deliberately see where I put down my stuff and then write that note and drop it in my bag. I felt like someone was watching me and I had no idea, and I’ve been so alert ever since.”

He also recalled witnessing demonstrators writing down his and a friend’s physical descriptions while they observed the protest: “It’s really hard, and it’s taken a toll on my mental health.”

Students in Support of Israel at Pitt President Matan Rieger said he, too, has altered his movements on campus based on SJP activities. He called the ACLU’s lawsuit “disheartening,” adding, “It’s not regarding free speech as the lawsuit claims. It’s a shame that the ACLU is suing the university for following its own policies.”

Jewish community leaders have echoed similar concerns. Laura Cherner, director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s Community Relations Council, emphasized that free speech has limits. “That freedom does not extend to promoting hostility, intimidation, or discrimination,” she said. “The university stated that SJP was in serious violation of its policies, and it has a responsibility to maintain an environment that is safe and welcoming for all students.”