A student at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) was reportedly deported from the United Arab Emirates after shouting “Free Palestine” during his graduation ceremony in May.
Despite an email from the university banning all cultural attire at the event, the student wore a traditional Palestinian keffiyeh scarf and made the statement as he crossed the stage to receive his diploma.
Jacqueline Hennecke, an alumna who also graduated in May, confirmed the ban and recounted the incident to the Associated Press (AP). The student’s actions led to his detention by police and subsequent deportation, as reported by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP).
The AAUP, which supports free speech and academic freedom, criticized the university for not safeguarding its community members from government intervention.
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The AAUP stated that the university’s students, staff, and faculty were detained and interrogated by government security offices.
This incident occurred after another academic staff member and a graduate student were deported, raising concerns about the university’s institution’s academic freedom and personal expression.
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