Students sue University of Texas, Abbott over protest arrests

Multiple current and former students at the University of Texas at Austin have sued the university and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) after the arrests of pro-Palestinian protesters last year.

The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, accuses the school and governor of violating the students’ First Amendment rights and Title VI during the mass arrests on April 24, 2024.

The complaint came from four former and current students and was filed by the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC). 

It alleges there was an “arrest quota” and police used excessive tactics such as tackling protesters, leaving marks on students with zip ties and taking the hijab off of a Muslim woman.  

“This lawsuit is about more than a single protest; it’s about safeguarding two of the most sacred rights in our democracy — free speech and peaceful assembly,” said Abed Ayoub, ADC national executive director. 

“Standing beside these courageous students means defending the very pillars of our Constitution and preserving the ideals that define us as Americans. Their bravery in the face of intimidation exemplifies the best of who we are, and this monumental case will help ensure that our fundamental liberties remain strong for generations to come,” Ayoub added.  

The students are seeking a judgment that the actions of the school and governor were unconstitutional, reverse any disciplinary actions taken against the students and compensation for punitive damages and attorney fees.

The Hill has reached out to the university and Abbott’s office for comment.  

Last year’s pro-Palestinian protests are getting renewed attention as their international participants are being targeted for deportation by the Trump administration, which accuses the activists of supporting Hamas and posing a threat to U.S. foreign policy.

On Wednesday, a judge ordered the release of Mohsen Mahdawi, a Columbia University student and Palestinian demonstrator who had been arrested at what was supposed to be a naturalization interview.