Jordanian alumni concerned about free speech at US universities

AMMAN – In a recent demonstration, Jordanians who studied in US universities came together to denounce Israel’s war on Gaza and the hindrance of free speech on college campuses as it pertains to Palestine. As tensions have increased on university campuses across the US, many are left to ask, is free speech being applied to all, or just some?اضافة اعلان

Many US students have taken to social media to discuss the role of universities as it pertains to free speech.

Dara Sukhtian told Jordan News, "In the present day, we aim to reach out to the American people and the US Congress, stressing that it is the inherent right of the Palestinian people to voice their cause, assert their rights, and shape their destiny. Importantly, this stance is not to be misconstrued as anti-Semitic or a manifestation of hateful rhetoric.”



Highlighting the peaceful nature of the demonstration, Sukhtian, in solidarity with Gaza, also expressed her solidarity with students in the US who are navigating collective shock, and the US administration supporting Israel’s right to defend itself. She added, “The unexpected intervention of Congress in US academia has left us disconcerted.”

Many of the participants, come from a wide range of backgrounds, some who studied in US universities as far back as the 1950s. Many of them, who watched civil rights shape the US, say this is not the US they know.

“The unexpected intervention of Congress in US academia has left us disconcerted.”

Meanwhile, Palestinian children's writer, Rawda Al-Farrah Al-Hudhud, told Jordan News "I am a Palestinian from Jaffa, and I have been in exile for 75 years." I have been closely following the news and the ongoing tragedy, witnessing what has happened to the Palestinian people. I participated in this demonstration to emphasize the urgent need to halt the violence by taking a firm stand and shedding light on the war crimes committed by this occupying enemy."

Selective treatment
Maisaa Qaawar, told Jordan News "I participated in today's demonstration to voice our rejection of what is happening in American universities where we once studied. These universities used to champion freedoms, especially freedom of expression. However, it seems that America has retreated from its principles when it comes to Palestinians."



Furthermore, Rula Al-Haroob told Jordan News that many people are fighting two wards. The first, she explained, emanates from pro-Israel Congress members who are supporting the occupation. The consequence has been the resignation of two university presidents, coupled with a collective effort by over 600 academics demanding her removal from office.

The second war, as she sees it, involves a financial coercive tactic employed within US universities. She posits that adopting a pro-Israel stance and being selective in their treatment is linked to the implicit threat that without conforming to these perspectives, many individuals might withdraw economic support from the universities.

"In the present day, we aim to reach out to the American people and the US Congress, stressing that it is the inherent right of the Palestinian people to voice their cause, assert their rights, and shape their destiny. Importantly, this stance is not to be misconstrued as anti-Semitic or a manifestation of hateful rhetoric.”

She added that one of the main issues is that US universities see any critique of Zionism as a form of anti-Semitism, which results in a suppression of diverse voices and a direct assault on freedom of opinion and expression.

She concluded that the current state of affairs in the US is deeply shameful, highlighting that it is a stark departure from the principles that it once ardently championed. In her view, America is failing the litmus test of freedoms, jeopardizing its appeal as a destination for those seeking freedom and education.


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