Several Vanderbilt University students were punished for their involvement in a protest against the administration’s removal of the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) initiative. The Vanderbilt Divest Coalition (VDC) had put forth an amendment to the Vanderbilt Student Government Constitution, aiming to prevent government funds from supporting businesses that back Israel. Despite collecting over 600 signatures and qualifying for a student ballot, the university removed the proposal, leading nearly 30 students to stage a sit-in at Chancellor Daniel Diermeier’s office in March.
During the demonstration, the university alleges that some students physically assaulted a Community Service Officer (CSO) to gain entry and pushed staff members. However, VDC claims the protest was peaceful. A Nashville Scene reporter was also detained trying to enter Kirkland Hall multiple times before being asked to leave. The sit-in lasted over 20 hours, with additional students protesting outside despite the threat of suspension and forced removal.
Following the protest, VDC reported that three students were expelled, one suspended, and over 20 placed on disciplinary probation for their involvement. The group accused Chancellor Diermeier of being “notoriously cruel to student protesters.” Despite appealing for a fair voting process, the university declined to confirm the numbers, citing privacy laws. Vanderbilt’s Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, C. Cybele Raver, stated that sanctions were based on individual conduct and included disciplinary probation, suspension, and expulsion.
Students have 10 days to appeal their cases to the university’s Appellate Review Board, allowing them to return to classes during the process. VDC encouraged others to join them in a walkout, emphasizing their commitment to push back against what they see as oppressive decisions from the administration. The university stressed that the sanctions were based on thorough reviews of the incident, evidence, and interviews with students. Fox News Digital’s Kendall Tietz contributed to the reporting on this issue, highlighting the ongoing tensions at Vanderbilt University surrounding the BDS initiative and student protests.
Overall, the expulsion, suspension, and probation of several Vanderbilt University students for their participation in a protest against the removal of the anti-Israel BDS initiative have sparked controversy on campus. The protest, organized by the Vanderbilt Divest Coalition (VDC), called for a student vote on a proposed amendment that aimed to prevent government funds from supporting businesses that back Israel. Despite the demonstration being labeled as peaceful by VDC, the university alleged instances of physical assault against staff during the sit-in at Chancellor Daniel Diermeier’s office.
In response to the disciplinary actions taken by the university, VDC voiced criticism of Chancellor Diermeier and called for a fair voting process. While the university did not confirm the exact number of expulsions and suspensions, citing privacy regulations, Vanderbilt’s Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs explained that sanctions were imposed based on individual conduct. Students were given the opportunity to appeal their cases to the university’s Appellate Review Board and could return to classes during the process.
The ongoing tensions at Vanderbilt University highlight the complex dynamics surrounding the BDS initiative and student activism on campus. The call for a student vote on the amendment and the subsequent protests against its removal demonstrate deep divides within the student body and the administration. As students navigate the appeals process and potential reinstatement, the outcome of this controversy will likely impact the campus environment and future activism efforts. Fox News Digital’s coverage of the situation sheds light on the challenges faced by students advocating for their beliefs and the repercussions they may face in doing so.
