The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today called on Johns Hopkins University (JHU) to immediately lift the interim suspension of Rockwell Shapiro, a Jewish student entering his final year in good academic standing who has been barred from campus for over five months for his alleged participation in a peaceful protest advocating for Palestinian human rights.
In a letter sent today to the Office of Student Conduct at Johns Hopkins University, CAIR expressed deep concern that the University’s handling of the case raises serious questions of fairness, due process, and discriminatory treatment. It outlines several key concerns:
Excessive Delay and Denial of Due Process: Rockwell Shapiro’s interim suspension has remained in effect for more than five months despite his timely appeal in May. The University previously indicated a resolution would be issued before the Fall 2025 semester; however, no decision has been provided. This delay has deprived Mr. Shapiro of access to classes, campus resources, and the ability to continue his education — in direct violation of JHU’s stated policies guaranteeing a “prompt” resolution.
Selective and Disparate Treatment: The University’s actions appear to target Shapiro for his alleged role in a larger protest involving multiple students. Such selective enforcement raises concerns of retaliation and inequity, in violation of basic principles of fairness and Maryland’s laws requiring equitable application of institutional policies.
Baseless Allegations of Antisemitism: Shapiro, who is himself Jewish, is reportedly under investigation by JHU’s Office of Institutional Equity for alleged antisemitism due to his participation in peaceful advocacy supporting Palestinian human rights. CAIR called this allegation “egregious and absurd,” noting that it stems from his sincerely held religious belief that standing against oppression aligns with his Jewish moral teachings.
Read letter.
“Punishing, retaliating against, or accusing a Jewish student of antisemitism for speaking out against a foreign government’s war crimes and human rights violations is unconscionable,” said CAIR’s Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry. “Johns Hopkins University’s failure to resolve this matter promptly not only violates its own procedures but also undermines its commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and academic freedom. Indefinite denial of access to education is a disproportionate and punitive measure. We call on the University to right this wrong and uphold its responsibility to all students, regardless of their faith or political beliefs.”
CAIR is urging the University to work with Rockwell Shapiro’s attorney, Boothe Ripke of Nathans Law, to reach a just and expedited resolution. The organization reminded JHU that, while it is a private institution, it remains bound by its contractual obligations to students and by broader principles of nondiscrimination and fairness.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com, 410-971-6062; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com