UAE deports student for ‘free Palestine’ chant

In a troubling development, a student from New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) has reportedly been deported from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after shouting “Free Palestine!” during his graduation ceremony. The incident, which has raised serious concerns about free speech in the UAE, an absolute monarchy, was reported by the Washington Post.

The student, who wore the traditional Palestinian keffiyeh scarf, shouted the slogan as he crossed the stage to receive his diploma. Just days later, he was deported, highlighting the UAE’s strict control over political expression.

New York University Abu Dhabi has come under criticism for its handling of the situation. Despite claiming “academic authority” on campus, the university admitted that its community members are not immune from local laws. “NYU has no authority over any nation’s immigration or law enforcement actions or decisions,” the university stated, adding that students were repeatedly advised about the expectations and boundaries regarding political expression.

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The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) has also voiced concerns, accusing NYUAD of failing to protect its students and staff. The AAUP highlighted that the university “has been unable to protect students, staff and faculty from being taken into custody and interrogated at government security offices,” and has not prevented the deportation of academic staff and students. The AAUP further criticised the broader implications for academic freedom, noting that non-Western students and staff have been particularly targeted.

This incident underscores the broader issue of free speech in the UAE and its impact on academic institutions. NYUAD, which aims to offer an American liberal arts education, faces significant challenges in a country with stringent speech laws. AAUP has previously commented on the “cultural zones” in Abu Dhabi, meant to protect free speech. However, these zones have proven inadequate, as faculty and students continue to face restrictions and uncertainties regarding their rights.

The AAUP has been vocal about the inherent contradictions in operating a liberal arts institution in such an environment. According to their statements, the concept of “cultural zones” was supposed to create a protected area around the campus where academic freedom and liberal speech could thrive, similar to free-trade zones for corporations. However, these protections have not materialised, leading to ongoing tensions and confusion about the extent of these rights.

In a detailed analysis, the AAUP pointed out that the protections proposed under the “cultural zones” were always limited and unrealistic. They noted that while these zones might offer some degree of immunity within the campus, they do not extend beyond its boundaries. This limitation means that any expression of free speech or political dissent can be swiftly curtailed by local authorities once individuals step outside the campus.

The deportation of the student who shouted “Free Palestine” is not an isolated incident but rather part of a broader pattern of surveillance, detention and intimidation of those who dare to express dissenting views. In total, five students who spoke to the Post on condition of anonymity described similar circumstances leading up to the graduation affecting those who earlier sought to bulk-buy keffiyehs as a fundraiser and organise vigils for those killed by Israel in Gaza.

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