ACLU’s Weak Defense for Terror Support
Last week, the once-proud ACLU sent a letter to 650 colleges and universities defending the “rights” of student groups to provide material support for anti-Semitic genocidal terror.
The ACLU’s recent actions have raised eyebrows and sparked controversy. In a surprising move, they penned a letter to hundreds of educational institutions, advocating for the rights of student groups to support acts of terror against the Jewish community. This letter, however, was not only legally and factually incorrect, but it also displayed a concerning level of negligence and laziness on the part of the organization.
A Troubling Track Record
This is not the first time the ACLU has come under fire for its questionable stance on protecting Jews. Their track record in recent years has been less than stellar, leaving many to question their commitment to defending the rights of this marginalized community.
The ACLU’s letter was supposedly a response to a letter sent by the Anti-Defamation League and the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law. These organizations urged university presidents to investigate the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapters on their campuses, suspecting them of providing material support to designated terrorist groups. However, the ACLU claimed to be unaware of any evidence supporting these claims, conveniently ignoring the actions taken by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to defund SJP for the same reasons.
Unmasking SJP
SJP, a radical activist organization, has long been associated with blatant anti-Semitism. While there was previously no concrete evidence of their material support for terrorist organizations, recent events have shed light on their true intentions.
Following the horrific atrocities committed in Israel, SJP chapters across the country organized a ‘National Day of Resistance’ in support of Hamas, a designated terrorist organization responsible for the massacre of innocent Jews. SJP’s alignment with Hamas and their commitment to the worldwide genocide of Jewry is clearly outlined in Hamas’ charter. In preparation for their ‘Day of Resistance,’ SJP released a toolkit, providing law enforcement with undeniable proof of their criminal activities.
The ACLU’s Oversight
While the ACLU acknowledges that the toolkit endorsed the mass murder of civilians, they conveniently omit crucial details. The toolkit not only contained public relations and persuasion materials but also included direct quotes from terrorist leaders themselves. The ACLU, despite having access to this toolkit, chose to turn a blind eye to its contents.
The Legal Perspective
Under 18 U.S.C. §2339B, providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization is a federal crime. The Supreme Court’s ruling in Holder v. Humanitarian Law Project established that even certain forms of speech can be considered material support if done in coordination with known terrorist organizations. Courts have consistently upheld this interpretation, making it clear that SJP’s actions would indeed qualify as material support.
Despite this legal precedent, the ACLU conveniently ignores the connection between SJP and Hamas. They argue that without evidence of coordination and direction from Hamas, SJP’s advocacy is protected by the First Amendment. However, numerous courts have ruled that the government does not need to establish a direct connection, as long as there is evidence of an attempt to provide material support.
The ACLU’s Selective Ignorance
It is evident that the ACLU deliberately overlooks crucial facts and legal precedents. Their claim of ignorance is simply not credible, as even a first-year law student could have easily found the missing link between SJP and Hamas. The ACLU’s refusal to acknowledge this connection raises serious doubts about their integrity and motives.
A Question of Fairness
Interestingly, Palestine Legal, the law group representing SJP, also sent a letter decrying Governor DeSantis’ actions. However, unlike the ACLU, they do not deny SJP’s guilt. Instead, they argue that the laws criminalizing material support for terrorism are unfair. While this argument may have some merit, it does not excuse the ACLU’s blatant disregard for the truth.
When faced with a lack of facts and legal standing, the ACLU resorts to baseless accusations and cries of unfairness. However, they cannot simply distort the law to fit their narrative.
The Consequences of Lazy Obfuscation
The ACLU’s letter not only displays a lack of factual accuracy but also perpetuates a dangerous conflation of the Israel-Hamas conflict with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Supporting anti-Semitic genocidal terror under the guise of being pro-Palestinian is not only misguided but also morally reprehensible. This kind of lazy obfuscation provides cover for groups like SJP to commit heinous acts of anti-Semitism while claiming to be advocating for Palestinian rights.
While free speech on campus is important, there are limits to what is protected. School administrations and law enforcement must remain vigilant in enforcing these limits. If the ACLU cannot provide accurate information or support the laws that protect marginalized communities, perhaps it is better for them to remain silent than to perpetuate ignorance.
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Dr. Mark Goldfeder, Esq. is the CEO and Director of the National Jewish Advocacy Center, Inc.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.
Does the ACLU’s decision to defend SJP’s actions despite overwhelming evidence of their support for terrorism indicate a selective approach to their advocacy and a lack of commitment to defending the rights of all?
Year law student could have easily found the evidence and legal arguments against SJP. The ACLU’s decision to defend SJP’s actions, despite overwhelming evidence of their support for terrorism, raises troubling questions about their motives and priorities. Is the ACLU truly committed to defending the rights of all, or are they selective in their advocacy?
The Impact on Jewish Students
By defending the rights of student groups to support terrorism against the Jewish community, the ACLU sends a chilling message to Jewish students across the country. It undermines their sense of safety and security, allowing anti-Semitic groups like SJP to operate with impunity. Jewish students have a right to feel protected and supported on college campuses, and the ACLU’s actions severely undermine that right.
The Call for Accountability
It is time for the ACLU to be held accountable for its reckless and misguided actions. Advocating for the rights of student groups to support terrorism is not only legally and morally wrong but also goes against the principles the ACLU claims to uphold. The organization must reflect on its track record and address the concerns raised by the Jewish community and their allies.
The ACLU’s letter defending the “rights” of student groups to provide material support for anti-Semitic genocidal terror cannot be justified. It is a betrayal of their mission and a dangerous precedent to set. The organization must reevaluate its priorities and ensure that its actions align with the principles of justice and equality for all.
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