Swarthmore Student Activists Charged for Distributing 'Violent' Literature

College threatens expulsion over protest materials criticizing board members' ties to Israel

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Eight Swarthmore students are facing possible expulsion for distributing protest materials that the college administration says 'threatened, intimidated, and/or promoted potential violence on campus.' The materials included a collage of board members' photos with a scope's crosshairs and phrases like 'necessarily more violent.' The students argue the language was taken out of context and that they were not advocating for violence.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between student activism and college administrations over free speech rights, with the Swarthmore students arguing their materials were protected dissent while the college claims they violated the student code of conduct. It also raises questions about how far private colleges can go in policing student speech on campus.

The details

The literature in question included a collage of the college's board of managers' photos with a scope's crosshairs superimposed, as well as text criticizing board members' ties to companies invested in Israel, the military, and fossil fuels. The administration also cited a phrase about 'necessarily more violent' resistance. The students say the crosshairs were not aimed at specific individuals and the language was not a call for violence but an acknowledgment of the risks of peaceful protest.

  • In February 2026, Swarthmore sent letters to eight students charging them with violations of the student code of conduct for distributing the protest materials.
  • Last year, a student and former student were arrested along with seven unaffiliated individuals during the dismantling of a protest encampment on campus known as the 'Hossam Shabat Liberated Zone.'

The players

Erin Kaplan

Associate dean and director of student conduct at Swarthmore College.

Harold Kalkstein

Current chair of Swarthmore's board of managers.

Harold Gustavo Schwed

Alumnus of Swarthmore who will take over as chair of the board of managers in July.

Taylor

A Swarthmore student who spoke to WHYY News using a pseudonym due to concerns about their case with the school.

Alex

Another Swarthmore student who spoke to WHYY News using a pseudonym.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.