President Trump’s executive order to revoke student visas of Hamas sympathizers has sparked backlash at Purdue University, where the independent student newspaper, The Exponent, is refusing to publish identifying information about pro-Palestinian students.
The editorial board claims this protects free speech, while critics argue it shields supporters of a terrorist organization.
Key Facts:
- President Trump’s Jan. 30 executive order cancels student visas of Hamas sympathizers on U.S. college campuses.
- *The Exponent*, Purdue University’s independent student newspaper, says this is a First Amendment violation and will not publish identifying information about pro-Palestinian students.
- Hamas is a U.S.-designated terrorist group responsible for the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which killed nearly 1,200 people.
- The executive order follows widespread anti-Israel protests on U.S. campuses, some of which included explicit support for Hamas.
- Purdue University is not affiliated with *The Exponent* and does not fund the publication.
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The Rest of The Story:
In response to Trump’s executive order, The Exponent announced it will remove past names, images, and likenesses of pro-Palestinian students from its website.
The editorial board argues that the order equates anti-war speech with supporting Hamas, setting a dangerous precedent for free expression.
Donald Trump has unleashed an assault against free speech on college campuses. To protect the identities of pro-Palestinian students at Purdue, we're removing their names. Read why here.https://t.co/ODsAQcmD2I
— Purdue Exponent (@purdueexponent) February 6, 2025
The White House, however, defends the move as necessary to curb rising antisemitism and radicalism on college campuses. Trump vowed to deport foreign students involved in “pro-jihadist protests” starting in 2025.
Critics argue this measure is overly broad, failing to distinguish between political activism and direct support for terrorism.
Meanwhile, protests at Purdue are expected to continue, with The Exponent pledging not to reveal protestors’ identities going forward.
This decision has ignited debate over whether the newspaper is upholding press freedom or providing cover for Hamas sympathizers.
Commentary:
While The Exponent frames its stance as a defense of free speech, it is effectively protecting individuals who may sympathize with a terrorist organization.
The distinction between being pro-Palestinian and pro-Hamas has become increasingly blurred—especially as many in Gaza cheered the Oct. 7 attacks, harbored hostages, and continue to support Hamas despite the destruction it has brought upon them.
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Across the U.S., pro-Palestinian activists frequently chant “From the river to the sea,” a slogan calling for Israel’s eradication. The idea that this movement is purely about Palestinian rights is naive; for many, it is about the destruction of the Jewish state.
Shielding their identities only fuels concerns that these students support more than just peaceful advocacy.
Trump’s order, however, walks a fine line. While ensuring that universities do not harbor foreign students supporting terrorism is crucial, the enforcement risks infringing on legitimate speech.
Universities are already struggling to manage the growing divide. Yet, ignoring the problem is not an option either.
There is an undeniable radical element on American campuses that has embraced antisemitism under the guise of human rights activism.
While The Exponent claims to be standing for free speech, it is also enabling a movement that openly calls for Israel’s destruction.
Purdue, though uninvolved in the paper’s decision, should be concerned about how far its student activists are willing to go.
The Bottom Line:
Trump’s executive order seeks to expel foreign students who support Hamas, but The Exponent is shielding their identities in the name of press freedom.
The paper’s decision reflects the troubling reality that some activists have crossed the line from pro-Palestinian advocacy into tacit support for terrorism.
Whether any real action can be taken against The Exponent remains uncertain, but their stance raises serious questions.
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