Harvard Medical School canceled a planned pro‑Palestinian vigil just hours before it was scheduled to begin, citing repeated violations of campus rules by the student organizers. The decision followed concerns over unauthorized co-sponsorship and failure to follow event promotion protocols.
The vigil, organized by the Student Alliance for Health Equity in Palestine (SAHEP) and the Student Human Rights Collaborative (HSHRC), was intended to take place on the medical school’s campus. Both groups are officially recognized by the university. However, Harvard administrators stated that the students disregarded multiple university guidelines regarding event hosting, including proper approval procedures and limitations on collaborating with unrecognized organizations.
Flyers promoting the vigil named Harvard Out of Occupied Palestine (HOOP), a group not recognized by the university, as a co-sponsor. They also contained conflicting language regarding attendance, claiming the event was both open to the public and restricted to Harvard affiliates. Harvard officials confirmed that these issues, along with improper advertising and failure to meet school deadlines, were central to the event’s cancellation.
SAHEP released a statement condemning the decision, claiming it suppressed their expression and misrepresented the purpose of the vigil. The group accused Harvard of contributing to a culture of censorship, though school officials stressed that the issue was procedural, not political.
The school’s action reflects a broader commitment to maintaining order and consistency on campus. Academic institutions are right to enforce clear policies that ensure events are conducted safely and in accordance with campus guidelines. When student groups disregard established rules—particularly when co-sponsoring with unauthorized organizations—the administration has a duty to act.
