Judge Shields Activists: Court Ruling Defends Academic Freedom

A federal judge plans to issue an order to prevent the Trump administration from retaliating against academics challenging its actions against non-citizen, pro-Palestinian activists. Judge William Young found that the U.S. departments of State and Homeland Security violated the First Amendment by restricting free speech on college campuses.

A federal judge announced on Thursday his intention to issue an order to prevent the Trump administration from retaliating against academics who have criticized its policy towards activists on U.S. college campuses.

Judge William Young, speaking in Boston's federal court, had previously ruled in September that the U.S. State and Homeland Security departments infringed on First Amendment rights by stifling free speech. The administration's actions targeted non-citizen protesters advocating for Palestinian rights.

The court's decision is seen as a vital protection for academic freedom, emphasizing the need to uphold constitutional rights in educational environments.

(With inputs from agencies.)