By Arpan Josan 

Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) is a campus club at Adelphi University that, according to their description, “is a united movement in solidarity with the Palestinian people.” 

The club originated during the fall of 2023 and has held numerous protests and events throughout the years. Their first being outside the University Center on April 29th, 2024. This protest was held in response to the ongoing conflict happening in Palestine, and protestors played music, prayed and chanted throughout the event. 

At the end of the 2025 spring semester, SJP was suspended by the Adelphi administration due to reported claims of harassment and their Instagram page was changed to say “Not Affiliated with Adelphi University.”  

Adelphi’s Vice President for Student Affairs and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Sentwali Bakari explained the process for the club’s suspension. He said, “As outlined in the University’s Prohibited Discrimination and Harassment Policy, after a complaint is made to the Office of Community Concerns and Resolution, the University will conduct a thorough investigation. Upon conclusion of the investigation, an outcome is determined.” 

Bakari emphasized Adelphi’s commitment to fostering an environment where both students and faculty can express themselves freely while also following the University’s demonstration policy and code of conduct. He said, “This commitment enables us to support the safe exchange of differing viewpoints, enriching our community with diverse perspectives and promoting meaningful dialogue among our community members.”

On August 20th, it was announced on SJP’s Instagram that the club was reinstated. Bakari chose not to disclose the reinstatement process. However, junior ethics and public policy major and president of SJP Hayaa Beig provided some background. She said, “The SJP was found not responsible for the charges of discrimination and harassment, and was found responsible for a hostile environment. The organization is on probation until August 7, 2026.” 

Students for Justice in Palestine were present at this year’s annual fall club fair.  (Picture taken by Arpan Josan)

Beig disagrees with the decision explaining that in her opinion the club’s social media content did not hinder students from attending their classes, nor did it prevent faculty from teaching their classes as a hostile environment would indicate.   

 She said, “The parameters for a hostile environment were unreasonably narrowed when it came to SJP. This was a result of external interference and pressure by the Brandeis Center.” However, Beig intends to meet with Conduct Officers and fully cooperate with them throughout the investigation. She said, “The priority for SJP leadership is to get the organization reinstated in order to continue our mission to fight for Palestinian liberation.”