Montgomery College: President Condemns Sentiments Expressed in Panel

Following a March 7, 2024 panel discussion titled “Palestine and Africa: The Historical Relationship,” Montgomery College president Jermaine Williams sent an email to the campus community condemning what he perceived as “hateful sentiments expressed by panelists who advocated for violence against Israel,” saying the college “will not tolerate threatening speech.” FIRE wrote the college on March 28 explaining that Williams’ comments that the college will not tolerate protected speech that it disfavors runs afoul of the First Amendment and threatens to chill expression on campus. We asked the college to endorse a position of institutional neutrality by adopting the Kalven Report and offered to assist with any revision process. Montgomery College responded on April 4, expressing its commitment to the First Amendment and agreeing to re-examine its policies to ensure they align with the First Amendment.