A student from New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) was deported from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after shouting "Free Palestine!" during a graduation ceremony in May. The student, who wore a traditional Palestinian keffiyeh scarf, made the pro-Palestine statement as he crossed the stage to receive his diploma, according to the Associated Press.
This incident underscores the UAE's delicate balance between its diplomatic recognition of Israel and the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Despite providing aid to Palestinians, the UAE maintains strict control over speech and political activities, resulting in no large-scale protests. Several students reported that support activities for the Israel-Hamas conflict are prohibited on campus and have experienced repression at cultural events in the capital. Additionally, individuals wearing keffiyehs have been barred from these events.
One student remarked, "The government and the laws of the country don’t necessarily align with wanting to create an environment that appeals to the West, particularly regarding freedom of speech."
NYUAD stated that while it retains academic authority on campus, it cannot control local laws and immigration actions. Alumni Jacqueline Hennecke, who graduated in May, told AP that the university had sent an email before the ceremony banning all "cultural attire," including scarves.
The student who ignored the order and shouted "Free Palestine" on stage was taken into police custody before being deported, as reported by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP). The AAUP criticized NYUAD for failing to protect students and staff from detention and deportation, especially those from non-Western countries.
This incident adds to previous controversies faced by NYUAD, including allegations of labor violations and visa denials for faculty. The UAE, a close ally of the US, maintains diplomatic ties with Israel, including daily flights and consular services, while closely monitoring pro-Palestinian activities.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas began on October 7 with a Hamas attack on Israel that killed approximately 1,200 people and took 250 hostages. The ensuing Israeli offensive has resulted in the deaths of over 38,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to local health officials, without distinguishing between civilians and combatants. Hundreds more have died in Israeli raids in the occupied West Bank.
In a related incident, security guards at a recent comedy festival in Abu Dhabi confiscated keffiyehs from attendees. However, one audience member shouted "Free Palestine" during a performance by American comedian Dave Chappelle, who referred to the situation in Gaza as "genocide.
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