Sep 08 2011
Irvine 11 Case Highlights Free Speech Rights of Students
Opening statements were given yesterday in the trial of the Irvine 11, UC Irvine students charged with misdemeanor violations for disrupting a speech given on their campus in 2010. The incident occurred when Israel’s Ambassador to the US, Michael Oren, was interrupted repeatedly during an evening appearance before a large crowd. The civil disobedience was organized by the University’s Muslim Student Union, which opposed the Israeli government’s 2008 military invasion of Gaza, Operation Cast Lead. An estimated 1,400 Palestinians were killed over weeks of airstrikes and ground attacks. During Ambassador Oren’s speech, taking place one year after the controversial military operation, 10 members of the Muslim Student Union stood up one-by-one and shouted statements, including calling Oren a war criminal. Each student was escorted out of the event and arrested by police. The 11th student was arrested for joining a group protest and walk-out. UC Irvine administration disciplined the Muslim Student Union by suspending its charter for one quarter, and placing it on probation for two years. However Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas picked-up the case as a criminal matter, charging the 11 arrested students with conspiring to commit a crime, and for disturbing a meeting. The case has attracted national attention and many people, including some who disagree with the students’ tactics, say the DA is violating the students’ right to freedom of speech. Prosecutors argue the students violated the free speech rights of Ambassador Oren and audience members. If convicted, the Irvine 11, which has shrunk to 10, face sentences ranging from mandatory community service, to up to one year in jail. In July, the 11th student entered into an agreement with prosecutors, agreeing to complete 40 hours of community service by late September in order to have charges against him dropped. Judge Peter Wilson issued a gag order, prohibiting prosecutors, defense attorneys and the students on trial from discussing the case.
GUEST: Kifah Shah, Spokesperson, Stand with the 11 Campaign
Find out more about the case at www.irvine11.com.
One Response to “Irvine 11 Case Highlights Free Speech Rights of Students”
I don’t understand why these 10 students are being persecuted for organizing a civil protest. Numerous student groups on countless campuses (and off-campus locations) regularly do the same without prosecution. Many conservative groups on my own campus have agitated speakers, should they be charged? I loved the honesty of the guest. She is right, this case is an absurd waste of tax payer money. She is also right about the chilling effects this could have on campus activism and what this case means for free speech rights.
Thanks for this very informative segment.