CAIR-NY Condemns CUNY Law Censorship of Muslim Student’s Pro-Palestinian Commencement Speech
Credit: CUNY School of Law
(NEW YORK, NY, 5/23/2023) - The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today condemned CUNY Law for reportedly censoring Yemeni-American Fatima Mohammed’s pro-Palestinian commencement speech.
Mohammed was selected by her peers to give the student commencement speech. In her commencement address, Mohammed discussed the unique nature of CUNY Law and the values it embodies as a public interest law school. Mohammed also explained that many students joined CUNY Law to gain the necessary legal skills to confront the systems of oppression and to apply principles consistently.
She reminded the audience that “Palestine can no longer be the exception to our pursuit of justice,” and discussed the various human rights violations inflicted by Israel on Palestinians.
Mohammed gave the commencement speech on May 13, 2023. Like all the commencement speeches for the last nine years, CUNY Law livestreamed the speech. However, in the past week, Mohammed’s commencement speech was taken down. According to reports, CUNY Law removed the video due to false allegations that Mohammed's speech was antisemitic.
SEE: Fatima Mohammed’s Commencement Speech
More than 15 CUNY Law student groups, including the Jewish Law Students Association, condemned CUNY Law’s decision to taken down the video and issued a statement in support of Mohammed.
CUNY Law is also being accused of taking down and censoring last year’s student commencement speech by Nerdeen Kiswani. Both speeches were given by Muslim women and highlight the suffering of Palestinians.
In a statement, CAIR-NY's Executive Director Afaf Nasher, Esq. said:
"We strongly condemn the apparent decision by CUNY Law to remove Fatima Mohammed’s commencement speech, particularly considering its focus on social justice and the plight of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation. Academic institutions should embrace robust discussions on international issues, including human rights, without fear of censorship or reprisal.
“The silencing of voices that seek to shed light on human rights abuses undermines the principles of academic freedom and respectful dialogue that universities should uphold. It is essential that diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but encouraged, even when they challenge prevailing narratives. Anything less is an affront to CUNY Law’s alleged values as a public interest law school and to the Constitution.
“CAIR-NY stands in solidarity with the student commencement speaker who bravely sought to elevate the plight of Palestinians and the human rights abuses they face. We affirm their right to express their views freely and without interference.
“CAIR-NY calls on CUNY Law to rectify this situation immediately, issue a public apology, and ensure that such actions are not repeated in the future. It is imperative that CUNY Law takes steps to create a safe, welcoming environment for Muslims and student supporters of Palestinian human rights.
“CAIR-NY remains committed to supporting all individuals who strive to advocate for justice, equality, and human rights.”
Nasher also condemned CUNY Law’s removal of Nerdeen Kiswani’s commencement speech.
Last year, in an open letter, five former European ministers labeled Israel’s policies against Palestinians as “the crime of apartheid.” Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the Presbyterian Church USA have labeled Israel an apartheid state. The UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Adequate Housing also recognized that Israel is committing apartheid against Palestinians.
CAIR has previously called on the Biden administration to stand up to the new Israeli government composed of openly racist and genocidal far-right politicians.
Last year, CAIR welcomed an investigation by a UN commission of inquiry into the Israeli government’s system of apartheid against Palestinians.
CAIR-NY's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR-NY 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: Afaf Nasher, Esq., CAIR-NY Executive Director, 917-669-4006, anasher@cair.com; Ahmed Mohamed, CAIR-NY Legal Director, 646-481-2103, ahmedmohamed@cair.com