DePaul Students Demand Reinstatement of Palestinian Student Group

University claims group violated policies, students allege discrimination

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:23pm

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A solitary student sits alone on a bench on the DePaul University campus, the warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a contemplative, cinematic mood that reflects the tensions surrounding the suspension of the pro-Palestinian student organization.A pensive student sits alone on the DePaul campus, the university's response to pro-Palestinian activism casting a long shadow over the community.Chicago Today

DePaul University students are calling for the reinstatement of a suspended Palestinian student organization, the Students for Justice in Palestine chapter, which the university claims violated multiple policies. Students say the suspension was a direct response to their advocacy for Palestinian rights and that it has led to feelings of marginalization on campus.

Why it matters

The dispute over the Palestinian student group's status at DePaul highlights ongoing tensions between pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian student activism on college campuses. The university's decision to suspend the group has sparked accusations of discrimination and calls for greater transparency and accountability.

The details

DePaul students say the Students for Justice in Palestine chapter was sanctioned in 2024 and suspended through 2027, which the university claims was due to policy violations. Students argue the suspension was a response to their advocacy for Palestinian rights, including a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus that was later dismantled. The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations has filed discrimination complaints with the Illinois Department of Human Rights over the issue.

  • The Students for Justice in Palestine chapter was sanctioned by DePaul in 2024.
  • The group was suspended by the university through 2027.

The players

Tesamy Abulaban

A Palestinian student at DePaul who has felt marginalized on campus and questioned whether her diploma could be stripped away due to the suspension of the Students for Justice in Palestine chapter.

Estrella Vazquez

The district director for state Rep. Lilian Jimenez, who said the organization has filed discrimination complaints with the Illinois Department of Human Rights over the issue.

Rabbi Brant Rosen

With Tzedek Chicago, who stated that it is not antisemitic to be in solidarity with Palestinians.

Father Michael Pfleger

From Saint Sabina Church, who called on DePaul to "check yourself out" and live up to its Vincentian and Catholic mission.

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What they’re saying

“I should be looking forward to graduating, celebrating everything I am in my school.”

— Tesamy Abulaban, Palestinian student

“It is not antisemitic to be in solidarity with Palestinians.”

— Rabbi Brant Rosen, Tzedek Chicago

“DePaul, you need to check yourself out. Live up to your Vincentian mission. Or take the name Vincentian and take the name Catholic off your identity.”

— Father Michael Pfleger, Saint Sabina Church

What’s next

The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has filed discrimination complaints with the Illinois Department of Human Rights over the suspension of the Students for Justice in Palestine chapter at DePaul. The university says it is committed to investigating all reported complaints of harassment or discrimination.

The takeaway

The dispute over the Palestinian student group's status at DePaul highlights the ongoing tensions between pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian activism on college campuses. The university's decision to suspend the group has sparked accusations of discrimination and calls for greater transparency, accountability, and adherence to the school's Vincentian and Catholic mission.