1. United States
2. Conn.
3. Letter

Protecting the right to free speech and peaceful protest is fundamental, yet there is a concerning trend of crackdowns and retaliation against those speaking out for Palestinian rights. From social media censorship of posts condemning Israeli violence, to threats and firings of students and educators expressing support for Palestinian freedom, a chilling effect is emerging that stifles open discourse on this issue. This systematic repression exemplified by Instances like the Associated Press terminating a journalist over college activism, or the vicious smear campaign against the Palestinian student senate president at Florida State University, cannot be accepted in a free society. We must uphold Constitutional rights and create an environment where people can voice perspectives on Israeli occupation and apartheid policies without fear of professional retaliation or false accusations of antisemitism. Dissenting voices are crucial for democracies to function, and this "Palestine exception" to free speech standards is unacceptable. I urge you to speak out against this wave of censorship and defend the rights of protesters, students, journalists and others to engage in civil debate around the Palestinian cause without threats to their careers and reputations.