Northeastern University Faces Backlash Over Cancelled Speaker Event
April 30, 2025
Northeastern University is under scrutiny after the cancellation of a scheduled guest speaker event featuring Israeli historian Raz Segal. The event, organized by the Jewish Law Students Advocating for Justice (JLAJ), was set for March 27 but was called off due to the university’s demand for a list of attendees, which JLAJ deemed a violation of student privacy and free speech.
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) condemned this requirement in a letter to university administrators, arguing that it created a chilling effect on free expression. "Students could not attend the controversial event without facing official surveillance," stated FIRE Program Officer Aaron Corpora.
Segal, an advocate against the weaponization of the Holocaust, expressed his refusal to speak under these circumstances. The JLAJ criticized the university, asserting that it was disproportionately targeting them for their anti-Zionist views. Northeastern’s administration defended its actions, citing established protocols for student events and claiming no similar registration was needed for Holocaust and Genocide Awareness Week.
FIRE has demanded a response by May 2, reiterating that Northeastern must uphold its commitment to free speech rights. The situation continues to raise questions about campus freedoms and administrative oversight.
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