Petition demands UJC charges against Gaza protesters be dropped in May 2024

The protesters were involved in a demonstration on May 4, 2024, when a pro-Palestinian camp on UVA Grounds was dismantled by police. A total of 25 arrests were made following the protest. Law enforcement, led by Albemarle County District Attorney Jim Hingeley, determined there was insufficient evidence to file criminal charges, and all trespassing orders have since been lifted.

According to the petition, the 2024-2025 academic year is uncertain for the students involved, as the UJC charges are the only remaining sanctions. The petition also points out that peer institutions, such as the University of Chicago, have already dropped similar charges against student protesters.

Furthermore, the American Association of University Professors has criticized the UVA administration’s decision to file these charges. In a recent statement, they argued that administrators who claim to protect academic freedom through “expressive activity” policies are in fact restricting the very freedom of speech and expression they seek to defend.