Four current and former students of the University of Texas at Austin have filed a federal lawsuit against the university, Governor Greg Abbott, and several law enforcement officials, claiming their constitutional rights were violated during a pro-Palestinian protest.
The demonstration, held on April 24, 2024, was part of a broader movement against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The Texas students allege they were wrongfully arrested for participating in a peaceful protest and are accusing the university and state authorities of using force to suppress their free speech.
The lawsuit, supported by the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, argues that the actions taken were meant to punish those expressing pro-Palestinian views.
One of the plaintiffs, Arwyn Heilrayne, said she suffered a panic attack when officers knocked her down and zip-tied her wrists.
She was later diagnosed with PTSD and had to resign from her internship at the state legislature. Another plaintiff, Mia Cisco, claims police forcibly removed her hijab during the arrest, a deeply traumatic experience.
According to the lawsuit, Governor Abbott approved a heavy police presence at the protest, which included officers in riot gear.
UT Austin defended its decision by stating it acted in the interest of safety and noted that most of those arrested were not students. The governor’s office reiterated its stance that antisemitism will not be tolerated in Texas.
The charges against the arrested students were eventually dropped due to a lack of probable cause. The plaintiffs argue their treatment reflects a broader threat to free expression on campus.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
