The recent charges against two Black Northwestern students for their alleged involvement in distributing satirical newspapers represent a concerning pattern of suppressing student expression, particularly voices supporting Palestinian rights. This incident is emblematic of a deeper, systemic issue where advocacy for marginalized groups, especially pro-Palestinian voices, is met with undue penalization.
These charges are a stark reminder of the intersectional battle against racial bias and the silencing of dissenting voices within our academic institutions. They reveal a disturbing confluence of over policing and anti-Blackness, disproportionately affecting students of color who dare to engage in critical discourse and advocacy. This is not merely about the suppression of dissenting voices; it is also a manifestation of the systemic racism that targets Black individuals, further exacerbating the challenges they face within and beyond educational institutions.
It’s disheartening to see these charges by a company that operates at Northwestern, a place of learning and supposed bastion of free speech, especially as an action that contributes to broader societal efforts to stifle advocacy for Palestinian rights. Such actions not only betray the principles of freedom of expression by discouraging dissent, but also disproportionately impact students of color, further entrenching systemic inequities.
In response, we, the undersigned student organizations, unequivocally condemn the charges brought against our fellow students. We see this as a pivotal moment to voice our staunch opposition to practices that silence essential discussions on racial justice and human rights.
Until the Students Publishing Company takes meaningful steps to reverse their stance — by not only dropping the charges against these students but also rescinding their complaint with the district attorney and law enforcement — we will not speak, collaborate or engage with The Daily Northwestern or the SPC.
Our decision to disengage and boycott is not taken lightly but stems from a commitment to uphold the values of justice, equity and the freedom to advocate for those whose voices are often marginalized or silenced. The issue at hand transcends the immediate legal implications for the two students; it is a matter of principle. Our choice reflects a broader commitment to support the right to advocate for Palestinian rights and against racial injustice.
By taking this stand, we aim to send a clear message: The suppression of pro-Palestinian voices or any marginalized communities has no place in our academic institutions. We call on SPC to align their actions with the principles of free expression and equity by advocating for the same at the state level. Only through such actions can we begin to address the systemic injustices this incident has brought to light.
Signed,
Mayfest Productions
A&O Productions
Jewish Wildcats for Ceasefire
Student Theatre Coalition
For Members Only
WNUR Rock Show
WNUR Freeform
Arts Alliance
Alianza
Soul4Real
Fusion Dance Company
The Impact Movement
TBD Performance Group
Chinese Students Association
Rainbow Alliance
B. Burlesque
Middle Eastern and North African Student Association
SASA
Out Da Box
Pakistani Students Association
Art Union
Northwestern Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers
QUEST+
Muslim Mental Health Initiative (MMHI)
Northwestern’s Physicians For Human Rights, Undergraduate Chapter
Muslim-Cultural Students Association
NSTV
NU College Feminists
National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA), Undergraduate Chapter
Vietnamese Student Association
The Jasmine Collective
Native American and Indigenous Student Alliance (NAISA)
ColorStack @ Northwestern
Strive
Alpha Psi Lambda Inc. (NU Inaugural Line)
Eye to Eye
Freshman Fifteen
Students Organizing for Labor Rights (SOLR)
Bhakti Yoga Society
Korean American Student Association
Asian Pacific American Coalition
Black Health and Wellness Collaborative
Al Bayan Magazine
Advancement for the Undocumented Community (AUC)
Fossil Free Northwestern
SJP
K-Dance
Northwestern Women Filmmakers’ Alliance
Northwestern University Community for Human Rights
Northwestern Community Ensemble
Moroccan Student Organization
Northwestern Thrift Store
The Dolphin Show
Health Equity Group at Feinberg School of Medicine
Hospice Patient Care Club
Minority Association of Premedical Students
NU Blockchain
Polerize
Turkish Student Association
Balkan Student Association
Prairie Cats Ecological Restoration Club
Undergraduate Prison Education Partnership
Ethiopian and Eritrean Student Association
Ballet Folklórico Northwestern: Ritmo de Mis Ancestros
Lumi Tutors
Black Pre-Law Association
SigO
Women’s Ultimate
Wave Productions
SNMA at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Editor’s Note: This letter may not represent the views of every individual registered member of each of the 70 named organizations. At least one member of each executive or operating board signed this letter.
If you would like to respond publicly to this op-ed, send a Letter to the Editor to [email protected]. The views expressed in this piece do not necessarily reflect the views of all staff members of The Daily Northwestern.
