Nearly one year ago, CAIR-LA brought on a Student Disciplinary Support Fellow to assist students facing unjust disciplinary action from their colleges and universities for exercising their First Amendment rights, including speaking out in support of Palestinian human rights and against Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
Since then, this Fellow has supported students across the eight counties we serve—Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura—and San Diego. CAIR-LA has partnered with Manara West, Palestine Legal, school coalitions, and volunteer attorney networks to protect students’ rights.
Report an Incident: If you or someone you know are a student and believe your rights have been violated, contact CAIR-LA’s Civil Rights Department at (714) 776-1177 (ext. #2) or click here to submit an intake form.
Here’s how we’re fighting back against censorship on college campuses:
Meet Our Student Disciplinary Support Fellow
Elif Koc is the Student Disciplinary Support Fellow at CAIR-LA. In her role, she provides day-to-day support for students, walking alongside them through disciplinary proceedings, giving legal guidance, and ensuring they do not have to face these issues alone.
Student Vandalism Hearing
A California University student was arrested and charged with felony vandalism after participating in a peaceful vigil protesting Israel’s genocide in Gaza. The student also faced university disciplinary proceedings with the possibility of suspension. CAIR-LA represented the student during discussions with university administrators and presented evidence that mitigated the claims about the extent of damage caused by the alleged incident. That evidence was incorporated into the administration’s report and helped mitigate the severity of the student’s criminal charges. CAIR-LA’s representation resulted in the student being placed on probation, as opposed to a full suspension—an ideal outcome in this case.
Student Disciplinary Hearing
A California university student faced school disciplinary action after being arrested for the alleged violation of school policy during a student-led protest demanding the university divest from investments tied to Israeli apartheid. CAIR-LA represented the student throughout the conduct proceedings and drafted several documents for the Student Conduct Committee. During the hearing, the committee found insufficient evidence that the student violated the school’s conduct code, and all disciplinary charges and proceedings were dismissed.
Support Our Work
While CAIR-LA and its partners have made notable strides in defending students’ rights on campus, the work is far from done. Students continue to face disciplinary action, discrimination, censorship, and violations of their rights.
These students often struggle to find legal assistance; that’s why your support is critical. Your contribution will help us increase our capacity to take on student cases and ensure that we’re not just speaking out against attacks on their rights—we’re fighting back.
