World News

Students for Justice in Palestine becomes flashpoint in college antisemitism, free speech debate on November 16, 2023 at 11:00 am

Published

3 years ago

November 16, 2023

College group Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) is at the center of a hurricane over its responses to the Israel-Hamas conflict, banned and chastised at universities across the country after its statements and protests have drawn accusations of antisemitism.

SJP wasted no time after the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel to spring into action, organizing a “Day of Resistance.” Chapters of the group said the world had witnessed “a historic win for the Palestinian resistance: across land, air, and sea, our people have broken down the artificial barriers of the Zionist entity.”

The blowback has been swift, sparking First Amendment debates and arguments over what constitutes antisemitism.

Columbia University has banned an SJP chapter, as well as Jewish Voice for Peace, through the end of the semester.

“This decision was made after the two groups repeatedly violated University policies related to holding campus events, culminating in an unauthorized event Thursday afternoon that proceeded despite warnings and included threatening rhetoric and intimidation,” said school Vice President Gerald Rosberg.

George Washington University suspended its SJP chapter this week after three of its members projected messages on a school building that included “Glory to our Martyrs.”

And Brandeis University has also banned SJP after saying the group “openly supports Hamas,” but the school indicated that the decision was tough because it is dedicated to upholding the principles of free speech.

Florida, meanwhile, has ordered its state universities to ban SJP chapters, claiming without evidence that the organization was giving material support to terrorist groups. Gov. Ron DeSantis, a GOP presidential candidate, said it is “not a First Amendment issue” because “these groups, Students for Justice [in] Palestine, they have said that they are in cahoots with Hamas.”

Alex Morey, director of campus rights advocacy for the Foundation of Individual Rights in Education (FIRE), a free speech group, said her organization is “not surprised” over backlash to SJP because “their speech right now is the unpopular speech,” noting that schools are under immense pressure to combat perceived antisemitism.

While Morey acknowledges the language of SJP is very distressing because its members are “endorsing what a lot of people think is terrorism,” she said that type of speech is “all protected.”

“There is zero evidence that any of these SJP groups have gone, to my knowledge anyway, have gone beyond the line of protected speech,” Morey said.

FIRE is not going after Columbia for banning SJP because it believes the school banned them for violating policy, not in direct response to their message. But Morey said her organization has sent a warning letter to a dozen schools telling them not to punish students who express pro-Palestinian sentiment.

“They’re just saying very controversial things about their sort of generalized support for Hamas or for Palestinian uprising. And while that’s very upsetting to people, it’s not unlawful, and the vast majority of all public institutions have to give students their First Amendment right to say those types of things,” she said. “Most private schools make similar promises and should also honor students’ expressive rights — to express views that are controversial right now.”

Republicans, on the other hand, are threatening to defund schools that don’t take stronger action against students and groups who voice support for Hamas, a designated terrorist group.

Antisemitism on college campuses has skyrocketed since the Oct. 7 attack, with the House holding two hearings on the problem in the following weeks.

In a House hearing Tuesday, a Yale student said there should be some consequences for SJP groups, especially ones that commemorate the terrorists who died attacking Israel.

In response, Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.) said, “Specifically, colleges don’t have to sanction or subsidize or condone these groups that are obviously hate groups, antisemitic groups.”

SJP, which did not respond to The Hill’s request for comment, has called efforts to censor its chapters “racist” and pushed back on claims that its views have crossed a line.

“There have been these inflammatory allegations made to say that SJP supports terrorism, but, again, that’s not true,” said Lina Assi, advocacy manager for Palestine Legal, adding there is an attempt to “criminalize” and “justify repression” of SJP chapters “despite their speech being protected under the First Amendment.”

Palestine Legal has received 600 requests for legal assistance since Oct. 7, according to Assi, and the group has written a letter to the Department of Education detailing incidents of Muslim and pro-Palestine students getting attacked on campuses. The department released a letter reminding schools of the duty to protect Palestinian students.

“I think, outside of the context of Oct. 7, and the statements following that, there’s this broader and longer timeline of pro-Israel groups attacking SJP chapters for the things that they say outside of [the] crisis moments,” Assi said. “They take issue with the fact that they’re advocating for the freedom of Palestinians from an apartheid regime.”

Jewish groups dispute such claims, saying SJP contributes to antisemitism on campus.

“SJP is responsible for leading many of the violent rallies we’ve been seeing on college campuses since the onset of the war. The organization is a major distributor of misinformation about Israel and the Jewish people, sparking these acts of aggression towards college students,” said Liora Rez, executive director of Stop Antisemitism, adding SJP is not a good representative for Palestinians.

“We’ve seen time and time again that wherever SJP exists, acts of antisemitism occur. Their violent rhetoric and misinformed beliefs about Jewish people and the state of Israel provide a foundation for antisemitism to spread,” Rez added.

She said Stop Antisemitism supports all SJP groups around the country getting suspended, blocking any anti-Israel rallies and expelling students who support antisemitism as potential ways to combat the issues on campuses.

“If you’re an organization whose members violate the safety of Jewish people, you should be removed from campus,” Rez said.

Assi, however, believes blaming Palestinian groups is ignoring the real cause of antisemitism that is hurting campuses.

“The issue of antisemitism has been an issue that, again, like anti-Palestinian racism, precedes Oct. 7. And it’s a real issue that needs to be addressed, especially in the context of the rise of right-wing white supremacist sentiment in this country,” Assi added.

Business

GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT RETURNS FOR ITS 5TH EDITION AT THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT – HOUSE OF LORDS, PALACE OF WESTMINSTER

Published

2 weeks ago

May 16, 2026

Bolanle Media Staff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Theme: “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation”

London, United Kingdom — The Global Sustainability Summit (GSS) is officially back for its landmark 5th Edition, continuing its legacy as one of the leading international platforms driving sustainable development, climate action, ethical investment, innovation, and global collaboration.

Convened annually at the prestigious British Parliament, House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, by Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto, the Summit has, over the last four years, successfully fostered international dialogue and partnerships that have contributed to the advancement of global sustainability goals, the establishment of sustainability-focused ministries, departments and policy structures across national and subnational governments, and the attraction of major investors into sustainable development projects, corporations and emerging economies.

This year’s summit, themed “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation,” will explore how emerging technologies, responsible leadership, sustainable finance, innovation, and global partnerships can shape a more inclusive, resilient and environmentally conscious future.

The 5th Edition promises to be the most impactful yet, bringing together world leaders, policymakers, diplomats, investors, academics, innovators, climate experts and youth leaders from across the globe to discuss actionable solutions toward achieving a sustainable and equitable future.

Among the distinguished speakers, delegates and honorees already lined up for the Summit are:

• His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq — Executive Governor of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum

• His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Otu — Executive Governor of Cross River State, Nigeria

• Ambassador Patricia Espinosa Cantellano — Former Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Former Foreign Minister of Mexico

• Lord Marvin Rees, Baron Rees of Easton OBE — Member of the House of Lords, United Kingdom

• Hon. Neema K. Lugangira — Secretary-General of Women Political Leaders (WPL), Brussels and Former Member of Parliament

• Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah — President of the Republic of Namibia

• His Excellency Nangolo Mbumba — Former President of Namibia

• Former President of Tanzania

• Her Excellency Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq — First Lady of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairperson of Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum

• Your Excellency Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, PhD, CON — Executive Governor of Katsina State and Chairman of the Northwest Governors Forum, Nigeria

• Hon. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma — Governor of Khomas Region, Namibia

• H.E. Mr. Veiccoh Nghiwete — High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia to the United Kingdom

• Her Excellency Ms. Macenje “Che Che” Mazoka — High Commissioner of Zambia to the United Kingdom

• Ms. Danielle Newman — Partner Lead, ICT, World Economic Forum

• Leanne Elliott Young — Co-founder, Institute of Digital Fashion & CommuneEast

• Ms. Chloe Russell — Producer & Presenter, Art, Science and Nature

• Professor Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger — University of Cambridge & University of Waterloo

• Dr. Alexandra R. Harrington — IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law (WCEL)

• Professor Payam Akhavan — Massey College, University of Toronto

• Mr. Mallai C. E. Sathya — President, Dravida Vetri Kazhagam and International Movement for Tamil Culture Asia

The Summit will feature high-level panel discussions, strategic investment conversations, sustainability awards, policy dialogues, innovation showcases, youth engagement sessions and international networking opportunities focused on climate resilience, ethical financing, food-water-energy sustainability, circular economy, artificial intelligence, diplomacy and sustainable development.

Speaking ahead of the Summit, Convener Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto noted:

“As the world rapidly evolves through artificial intelligence and technological innovation, we must ensure that sustainability remains people-centered, environmentally responsible and economically inclusive. The Global Sustainability Summit continues to serve as a bridge connecting governments, institutions, innovators and investors to accelerate practical sustainability solutions globally. Our fifth edition is not only a celebration of progress made over the years, but also a renewed call for global collaboration and actionable impact toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and Net Zero ambitions.”

The Global Sustainability Summit continues to position itself as a catalyst for transformative partnerships and sustainable global progress, reinforcing the urgent need for collective action toward a more resilient and sustainable future.

More announcements regarding additional speakers, partners and summit activities will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

News

US May Completely Cut Income Tax Due to Tariff Revenue

Published

6 months ago

November 30, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

President Donald Trump says the United States might one day get rid of federal income tax because of money the government collects from tariffs on imported goods. Tariffs are extra taxes the U.S. puts on products that come from other countries.

What Trump Is Saying

Trump has said that tariff money could become so large that it might allow the government to cut income taxes “almost completely.” He has also talked about possibly phasing out income tax over the next few years if tariff money keeps going up.

How Taxes Work Now

Right now, the federal government gets much more money from income taxes than from tariffs. Income taxes bring in trillions of dollars each year, while tariffs bring in only a small part of that total. Because of this gap, experts say tariffs would need to grow by many times to replace income tax money.

Questions From Experts

Many economists and tax experts doubt that tariffs alone could pay for the whole federal budget. They warn that very high tariffs could make many imported goods more expensive for shoppers in the United States. This could hit lower- and middle‑income families hardest, because they spend a big share of their money on everyday items.

What Congress Must Do

The president can change some tariffs, but only Congress can change or end the federal income tax. That means any real plan to remove income tax would need new laws passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. So far, there is no detailed law or full budget plan on this idea.

What It Means Right Now

For now, Trump’s comments are a proposal, not a change in the law. People and businesses still have to pay federal income tax under the current rules. The debate over using tariffs instead of income taxes is likely to continue among lawmakers, experts, and voters.

News

Epstein Files to Be Declassified After Trump Order

Published

6 months ago

November 20, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing federal agencies to declassify all government files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier whose death in 2019 continues to fuel controversy and speculation.

The order, signed Wednesday at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, instructs the FBI, Department of Justice, and intelligence agencies to release documents detailing Epstein’s network, finances, and alleged connections to high-profile figures. Trump described the move as “a step toward transparency and public trust,” promising that no names would be shielded from scrutiny.

“This information belongs to the American people,” Trump said in a televised statement. “For too long, powerful interests have tried to bury the truth. That ends now.”

U.S. intelligence officials confirmed that preparations for the release are already underway. According to sources familiar with the process, the first batch of documents is expected to be made public within the next 30 days, with additional releases scheduled over several months.

Reactions poured in across the political spectrum. Supporters praised the decision as a bold act of accountability, while critics alleged it was politically motivated, timed to draw attention during a volatile election season. Civil rights advocates, meanwhile, emphasized caution, warning that some records could expose private victims or ongoing legal matters.

The Epstein case, which implicated figures in politics, business, and entertainment, remains one of the most talked-about scandals of the past decade. Epstein’s connections to influential individuals—including politicians, royals, and executives—have long sparked speculation about the extent of his operations and who may have been involved.

Former federal prosecutor Lauren Fields said the release could mark a turning point in public discourse surrounding government transparency. “Regardless of political stance, this declassification has the potential to reshape how Americans view power and accountability,” Fields noted.

Officials say redactions may still occur to protect sensitive intelligence or personal information, but the intent is a near-complete disclosure. For years, critics of the government’s handling of Epstein’s case have accused agencies of concealing evidence or shielding elites from exposure. Trump’s order promises to change that narrative.

As anticipation builds, journalists, legal analysts, and online commentators are preparing for what could be one of the most consequential information releases in recent history.