Judge Challenges Trump's Administration on First Amendment Violations

A federal judge plans to issue an order preventing the Trump administration from retaliating against pro-Palestinian academics on U.S. campuses. The judge found that actions by the departments of State and Homeland Security violated free speech rights. The order will focus on members of key academic associations.

A federal judge announced intentions on Thursday to issue an order against the Trump administration to prevent retaliation towards pro-Palestinian activists and scholars in the U.S. The move follows findings that the administration violated the First Amendment by targeting non-citizen academics.

Judge William Young, expressing concerns over the administration's handling of free speech, criticized the actions as 'appalling' and reflective of an intimidating stance on individual freedoms. The order aims to address what Young described as a conspiracy at top levels under President Trump.

While the affected academic groups sought a nationwide injunction, Young deemed the request too expansive but emphasized the necessity for a sanction. The proposed order would presume immigration status changes are retaliatory unless proven otherwise by the government.