Student Wins Key Ruling in Free Speech Lawsuit After Expulsion for Palestine Activism

In an interview on Kim Iversen's show (@KimIversen), activist Guy Christensen discussed his ongoing lawsuit against Ohio State University (OSU), which has reached a crucial legal juncture. Christensen was expelled in May 2025 following his outspoken social media criticism of U.S. policy towards Israel and Gaza. The university's action came after he finished his first year, claiming his posts constituted threats. Christensen and his legal team from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) argue that the expulsion was a direct violation of his constitutional rights.

A federal judge has issued a preliminary ruling strongly favouring Christensen. The opinion stated it was "likely, almost guaranteed" that his online videos did not incite violence and that OSU probably violated both his First Amendment free speech rights and his 14th Amendment right to due process. The student was expelled without a formal hearing after being initially told he would have one. This ruling is a significant procedural victory that bolsters his case as it moves forward.

The lawsuit is set against a broader national backdrop of campus tensions over the Israel-Hamas conflict. Christensen claims his expulsion is part of a pattern where universities, under pressure from donors and political figures, punish pro-Palestinian speech. He states that hundreds of students have faced similar disciplinary actions for their activism.

The case underscores the ongoing legal debate over the boundaries of free speech at public universities and the procedural protections owed to students. While the final decision is still pending—OSU may appeal—the judge's preliminary findings represent a notable challenge to university disciplinary measures against political expression.

Source: He's SUING his University... and He's WINNING (Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRo66FCml8c)