University of Wisconsin-Madison
10/03/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/03/2024 17:59
Updated information on student organization status
Updated information was shared on Oct. 3, 2024.
The Committee on Student Organizations (CSO) found Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) of UW-Madison in violation of five organizational rules of conduct, stemming from actions related to the illegal encampment on Library Mall between April 29 and May 11, 2024.
The violations, as classified by the Registered Student Organization (RSO) Code of Conduct, were harmful behavior, violation of law, damage to or theft of property, violation of university policy, and disruptive conduct.
The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (OSCCS) investigated SJP, provided rationale for finding SJP responsible for six rule violations, and recommended one year of probation along with education on student organization policies and rules. SJP denied responsibility for the charges. This resulted in a review of the report by the CSO chair, who determined there was enough evidence to forward the case to a hearing rather than dismissal.
The student-chaired CSO led the SJP hearing and determined disciplinary actions based on the investigating officer findings and student testimony.
As result of the hearing, the CSO found SJP responsible for five conduct violations and imposed a 10-month disciplinary probation.
SJP may remain registered with RSO privileges and benefits, provided the organization complies with the RSO Code of Conduct. The probation extends through the 2024-25 academic year. Violation of probation requirements during this time would be grounds for further sanctions up to and including termination of SJP's RSO status.
The SJP disciplinary process follows UW-Madison's former RSO Code of Conduct, since the case opened prior to the revised policy going into effect Aug. 13, 2024.
An OSCCS investigation of the Young Democratic Socialists of America-UW-Madison (YDSA) alleged role in the encampment was completed in August, at which time the organization's interim suspension was lifted.
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May 23, 2024
UW-Madison is providing an update on the status of several registered student organizations (RSOs).
On May 22, the Young Democratic Socialists of America-UW-Madison received notice of an interim suspension pending a full investigation by the Committee on Student Organizations. Suspended student organizations can request a review of an interim suspension.
Also on May 22, Students for Justice in Palestine of UW-Madison received notice of a CSO investigation only.
Both CSO investigations relate to the alleged roles both organizations played during the Library Mall encampment between April 29 and May 11, which may have included conduct that violated student organization codes.
The CSO investigation of two student organizations, Mecha de UW Madison and Anticolonial Scientists, is ongoing related to allegations of discriminatory harassment in early May 2024.
A further description of CSO policies can be found online.