University of Maryland to block some student events as Israel-Hamas war nears 1 year

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — The University of Maryland has revoked the ability of student organizations to hold on-campus demonstrations on Oct. 7, marking one year of the Israel-Hamas war. University President Darryll Pines sent a letter to the UMD community saying only university-sponsored events would be allowed on that day, out of what Pines calls "an abundance of caution."

The university has faced pressure from some Jewish groups to specifically ban a planned vigil by the group Students for Justice In Palestine's UMD chapter. The group put out a statement on Instagram Monday saying they will "not back down" and "remain committed to advocating for Palestine." The group says it still plans to mark the day, but exact plans have not been released.

The university's chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace planned to co-host the Oct. 7 vigil. In a statement, the group said it was "disappointed" and "angry" by the university's decision. 

Meanwhile, the Jewish Student Union at UMD said it was "reassured" by the decision. "We are relieved that SJP will no longer be able to appropriate the suffering of our family and friends to fit their false and dangerous narrative," the groups wrote.

An online petition created by a group called End Jewish Hatred is calling on all campuses nationwide to ban what it calls antisemitic protests on Oct. 7. So far, it has gathered more than 21,000 signatures.

Pines said in his letter that safety remains his top priority.