Tel Aviv University Prevents Activities of Palestinian Student Groups
In March 2023, Adalah - The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, appealed against multiple decisions by Tel Aviv University that sought to prevent events organized by two Palestinian student movements – Jafra and Jabha – from taking place.
On 19 March 2023, Adalah filed an appeal against the Tel Aviv University decision to ban the Arab Book Fair, organized by the Jafra Student movement – of the Balad (Tajammua') political party, from taking place at the university.
CLICK HERE to read Adalah’s letter
CLICK HERE to read the university’s response
The university administration declined the group’s request to hold the event on campus at the Library for Social Sciences, even though the library had previously approved holding the event there. Instead, they suggested that Jafra "explore alternative locations" and recommended a site outside of the university grounds, in front of the security and police area, with the condition that Jafra must obtain their approval and follow their instructions. Furthermore, the university imposed a condition that the book fair must not include any materials that could be considered ‘incitement’, stating that if any such materials were included, the event would be shut down.
In the appeal, Adalah argued that university's decision infringed upon the students' right to freedom of expression within their academic framework, a right guaranteed under Israeli law. Adalah further argued that such a sweeping infringement did not serve an appropriate purpose. Additionally, Adalah argued that there was no legal basis for the condition imposed by the university which censors the books that the university claimed were inciting.
On 22 March 2023, the university rejected the appeal and reiterated that the book fair could not be held at the library or elsewhere inside the university. However, after Adalah sent an additional letter reiterating the group's objection to the decision, the university informed the group that a solution had been found, and a new request was to be filed. Since this decision, despite many efforts from the group to obtain permission from various entities within the university, this permission has yet to be granted, and the book fair has not yet taken place.
CLICK HERE to read Adalah’s letter of 12 April 2023
During the same period, the university also prevented an event organized by the Hadash student movement – Jabha – that was scheduled for 20 March 2023. The event was intended as an artistic-centered protest against the suppression of freedom of expression of Palestinian citizens and involved creating a Palestinian flag on a large canvas. The university's response did not include specific grounds for the refusal and stated, similar to its response to the Jafra students regarding the book fair, that it is not allowed to hold the event on campus grounds. The university further states that Jabha can inquire about an alternative location in coordination with the police and the university's security.
CLICK HERE to read Adalah’s letter
In its appeal against the decision, Adalah argued that this decision lacks transparency, is arbitrary and unreasonable, and violates the university's own regulations and guidelines. Adalah further highlighted that the university’s rejection violated both freedom of organization and freedom of expression within the academic space. Despite Adalah's appeal, the university declined and reiterated that the event must be held in another location.
CLICK HERE to read the university’s letter
Adalah Attorney Adi Mansour added:
“Tel Aviv University, which holds itself up as a platform for the free exchange of ideas and opinions, is failing to uphold the fundamental freedoms and silencing the voices of its Palestinian students. Despite both groups meeting all of the university's legal conditions, the university's refusal reflects its disregard for the academic rights and freedom of expression of its Palestinian students.”
