Catholic University of America (CUA) removed Israeli flags from a student-led memorial commemorating victims of the October 7 Hamas attacks, citing a violation of university flag policy. Student organizers say they received prior approval and accuse the administration of political censorship targeting support for Israel.
The display, organized by CUA Students Supporting Israel, featured Israeli flags placed on campus grounds to honor those murdered during Hamas’s terrorist assault on Israeli civilians. The memorial was created ahead of the October 7 anniversary and was designed to be a peaceful tribute to the victims.
According to student leader Felipe Avila, the university had approved the memorial three months prior. However, CUA administrators later informed the group that their request had been granted “in error” and proceeded to remove the flags. The removed items were returned in a clear plastic trash bag, a gesture students say demonstrated a lack of respect for the memorial and those it represented.
CUA spokesperson Karna Lozoya stated the display violated the university’s flag policy, which restricts the display of foreign flags unless specifically authorized. She claimed the student approval was mistakenly granted, and that the university reserves the right to enforce campus policy consistently. However, Avila argued that such policies are being selectively applied to stifle support for Israel.
CUA Students Supporting Israel condemned the removal as a direct assault on free speech and religious solidarity. They pointed to other instances where foreign flags had been permitted on campus without consequence. The group demanded clarity and consistency in policy enforcement, along with a public apology.
