Yale Revokes Status of Pro-Palestinian Group After Protest Against ’Israeli’ Minister’s Visit

By Staff, Agencies

Yale College, the undergraduate division of Yale University, has revoked the status of the pro-Palestinian student group Yalies4Palestine following a protest encampment against "Israeli" Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s appearance on campus.

The protest took place on Tuesday ahead of Ben Gvir’s Wednesday evening speech, which was hosted by the “Shabtai” organization as part of his first official tour in the US.

Though Yalies4Palestine said they were not responsible for organizing the encampment, Yale stated the group had promoted the event through social media and issued statements suggesting involvement.

Videos shared by the group on Instagram included captions such as "Repost! Share! Join the students!" and "HAPPENING NOW YALE STUDENTS RELAUNCH ENCAMPMENTS," showing students setting up tents on Beinecke Plaza. They dispersed after receiving warnings from university administrators.

Yale’s administration cited "concerns about disturbing antisemitic conduct at the gathering" and said it was investigating the matter. It emphasized that harassment and discrimination contradict the institution's values and that anyone violating university policy would face disciplinary action.

The university reiterated its commitment to free expression, stating that peaceful demonstrations are allowed if they adhere to Yale’s regulations. However, students previously warned or disciplined for policy violations were informed that further action, including suspension or expulsion, could follow if policies were breached again.

Amid mounting political pressure from the Trump administration and Republicans to curb anti-"Israel" protests on US campuses, the “Department of Justice’s” Civil Rights Division said it is monitoring the situation. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon reposted a video showing a Jewish student allegedly blocked by protesters, noting that the DOJ is in contact with affected students.

Some Jewish students claimed they were denied access to certain campus areas and faced intimidation from activists, while a pro-Palestinian group accused Yale of caving to political pressure and attempting to safeguard its federal funding by targeting student organizers. Losing official recognition means the group can no longer reserve campus spaces, apply for funding, or use the Yale name.