| (PITTSBURGH, PA., April 17, 2025) — The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today designated Northern Arizona University (NAU) and the University of Pittsburgh (UPitt) as Hostile Campuses due to ongoing suppression, intimidation, and criminalization of student activism advocating for Palestinian human rights and opposing genocide.Despite public commitments to free expression and diversity, both institutions have escalated punitive measures against students, particularly Muslim, Arab, Palestinian, Jewish, and allied voices demanding an end to Israel’s occupation and war crimes in Gaza.
“University campuses should be places where students feel safe to speak out against genocide and injustice. NAU and UPitt have instead criminalized conscience, punished peaceful protest, and targeted anti-genocide student groups. That is why we designate them as hostile campuses,” said Corey Saylor, CAIR’s Director of Research and Advocacy.
CAIR-Arizona’s Executive Director, Azza Abuseif, said in a statement:
“It is deeply disappointing to know that NAU, a learning institution, an environment meant to foster intellectual growth, critical thinking, and leadership, chooses to silence students for being anti genocide and exercising their right to free speech, especially when that speech stems from compassion and care for humanity. Such actions send a troubling message that conformity is valued over curiosity, and silence over sincerity, ultimately stifling the very growth and moral courage that education is meant to inspire. In a place where different viewpoints should be welcomed to develop open-minded, empathetic leaders, punishing students for speaking out undermines the core purpose of learning. If we cannot promote dialogue, compassion, and diverse thinking within an educational setting, then we fail not only the students but the greater mission of building a more just and thoughtful society.”
Northern Arizona University (NAU)
In April 2024, NAU administrators authorized the mass arrest of 22 student protestors at an anti-genocide encampment. Rather than engaging in dialogue, the university responded with disproportionate force and swiftly moved to suspend the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapter for four years, effectively silencing one of the primary vehicles for Palestinian advocacy on campus. Administrators also preemptively altered campus protest policies the night before the encampment, restricting free expression to a narrow 8 a.m.–5 p.m. window and banning overnight demonstrations—policies that selectively curtailed dissent.
CAIR-Pittsburgh’s Executive Director, Christine Mohamed said:
“Imagine facing criminal charges for exercising your First Amendment right to speak out against genocide — that’s the reality for students who attend the University of Pittsburgh. The university’s response to peaceful protest has created a hostile environment for students of conscience. This designation isn’t just appropriate — it’s necessary and long overdue.”
University of Pittsburgh (UPitt)
UPitt similarly escalated repression of anti-genocide activism. In 2024, the university facilitated the arrests of at least 16 peaceful student protestors demonstrating near the Cathedral of Learning for disclosure and divestment from Israeli apartheid. Those arrested faced criminal charges, including trespassing and failure to disperse, despite the peaceful nature of their action. Rather than fostering a space for meaningful dialogue, the university has taken steps to suppress anti-genocide voices. The Chancellor and Provost’s offices recently seized control of an ad hoc committee on antisemitism, effectively marginalizing calls for parallel institutional action against Islamophobia. On April 15, 2025, Pitt’s SJP chapter and the ACLU of Pennsylvania filed a federal lawsuit alleging the university’s policies and disciplinary actions are unconstitutional and discriminatory.
Students, faculty, and staff experiencing retaliation or censorship for their anti-genocide activism are encouraged to report their campus at Islamophobia.org/ReportCampus. To learn more about CAIR’s Unhostile Campus Campaign and view the full list of hostile campuses, visit Islamophobia.org/Hostile-Campuses.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Arizona Executive Director Azza Abuseif, 602-349-1573, aabuseif@cair.com; CAIR Pittsburgh Executive Director Christine Mohamed, 412-606-3601, cmohamed@cair.com; CAIR Research and Advocacy Director Corey Saylor, 202-384-8857, csaylor@cair.com; CAIR Research and Advocacy Manager Farah Afify, fafify@cair.com@cair.com; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Coordinator Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com |
