Catholic University: Administration Vetoes Antisemitism Event for Not Presenting “Both Sides”

On February 25, 2026, Catholic University denied student organization Students Supporting Israel’s request to host an event with Congressman Randy Fine about the rise in antisemitism because the event lacked “speakers representing both sides of this issue.” CUA also denied SSI’s request to host an educational event about Israel’s security fence with the fence’s primary architect for the same reason. On March 18, FIRE wrote CUA,  explaining that imposing a “balanced presentation” requirement on student-hosted events contravenes CUA’s free speech policy, which includes student organizations’ right to host expressive events and speakers of their choice. FIRE urged CUA to approve SSI’s event requests and publicly assure students the university will not compel speech as a condition for approving student events.