UT Austin students sue over protest arrests

[MIDDLE EAST] Four current and former students at the University of Texas at Austin filed a federal lawsuit on April 30 against the university and Texas Governor Greg Abbott, alleging unlawful arrests and retaliatory disciplinary actions related to a recent protest against Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court in San Antonio, is part of a broader wave of legal challenges across the country targeting how universities, law enforcement, and state officials have responded to pro-Palestinian demonstrations that have intensified across campuses during the spring of 2024.

Sparked by the continuing conflict in Gaza—where Israeli airstrikes and ground operations have caused significant civilian casualties—student-led protests have gained momentum nationwide. Demonstrators have called on universities to cut financial ties with companies connected to Israel, echoing divestment movements from previous international conflicts. The protests have provoked both strong support and fierce opposition, with some lawmakers accusing demonstrators of promoting antisemitism—an accusation many student activists reject.

The case was brought by the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) on behalf of the students. It names UT Austin President Jay Hartzell, Governor Abbott, and law enforcement officers as defendants, accusing them of deliberately suppressing pro-Palestinian expression during an April 24 protest on campus.

According to the suit, Governor Abbott, with President Hartzell’s approval, deployed state police in riot gear to conduct mass arrests—actions the plaintiffs argue violated their First Amendment rights to free speech and peaceful assembly.

Legal analysts say the outcome of the case could have lasting implications on how public universities and state governments address campus protests. “This isn’t just about one demonstration—it’s about whether political dissent can be criminalized under the pretext of public order,” said constitutional law professor Emily Sanchez, who has tracked similar legal disputes. The students are seeking unspecified financial damages and a court order barring future retaliation against demonstrators.

In response, UT Austin spokesperson Mike Rosen pointed to prior university statements defending the arrests as necessary for maintaining safety and enforcing protest guidelines. He noted that many of those detained were not affiliated with the university.

Governor Abbott’s office did not immediately issue a comment. During the April 24 protest, however, Abbott posted on social media: “Anti-Semitism will not be tolerated in Texas.”

Critics say conflating pro-Palestinian advocacy with antisemitism undermines legitimate political expression. Groups like Jewish Voice for Peace have denounced the arrests, stressing that many Jewish students participate in the protests. “This isn’t about religion—it’s about human rights,” said Rabbi David Feldman, a member of the organization. “Silencing dissent only deepens division.”

Two of the plaintiffs described lasting trauma from their arrests. Arwyn Heilrayne, a second-year student, said she suffered a panic attack after being thrown to the ground and tightly restrained with zip ties. She has since been diagnosed with PTSD and left her internship at the state legislature.

Another student, Mia Cisco, said the urgency of the lawsuit grew after seeing federal efforts under the Trump administration to deport foreign students for participating in pro-Palestinian activism. Cisco, a third-year student, said police forcibly removed her hijab during the arrest. “It’s crucial to say this is not okay,” she said.

Dozens were detained during the April 24 protest and released two days later after the Travis County Attorney’s Office declined to pursue charges. However, all students arrested were still subject to university disciplinary measures, according to the lawsuit.

ADC national executive director Abed Ayoub said the case underscores growing public concern over the erosion of civil liberties. “Governor Abbott and others are underestimating how deeply Americans value their First Amendment rights,” he said.