No disciplinary action against Fadel Alkilani for removal of flags from 9/11 memorial
Washington University chancellor has condemned the removal of flags reportedly by Fadel Alkilani from the 9/11 memorial without naming him directly. Andrew Martin sent an email to the University community Sunday evening, September 12, which read, “I want to make it very clear that, as an institution, we find the actions of this student to be reprehensible. The removal of the flags impeded the ability of individuals to commemorate the lives lost on 9/11 and to process the trauma of that day.”
The email did not include the name of Alkilani, who serves as the chairman of the student senate finance committee at the university, nor did it state any disciplinary actions taken against him. Martin continued, “For such an incident to take place on September 11, a time of pain and reflection for so many, makes this situation especially difficult. There should be space both for recalling the traumatic memories of that day and for considering its long-term historical implications.”
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Alkilani is accused of removing nearly 3000 US flags remembering the victims of the 9/11 attack on the tragedy's 20th anniversary. He also allegedly put those flags, which were placed by the College Republicans at Mudd Field, in trash bags, attracting a lot of hate and Islamophobic threats online. People have also called for his expulsion. But the chancellor’s mail did not address these things. He, though, stated that the university is probing the episode and following “standard protocols,” before adding: “It is imperative that everyone here is able to express their views in a respectful environment. Students have the right to express their viewpoints, but they also have the obligation to respect others’ expressions.”
Besides, the SU executive board members also shared a statement on their Instagram account in which they clarified that they were not involved in Alkilani’s alleged actions. The statement also criticized the hate Alkilani is receiving. It read, “9/11 was a national tragedy that has not only impacted our nation, but many members of our student body and broader WashU community. SU was not involved in organizing or executing Fadel’s protest, and we do not endorse or condone his behavior. We mourn with students on our campus and those across the country in remembrance of the 2,977 souls lost in New York City, Washington DC, and Shanksville, PA in 2001, and the thousands of first responders who died from health complications in the years following.”
The statement continued: “We also unequivocally condemn the Islamophobic rhetoric and slurs that have been used against him and other Muslim students on campus. It is never right for students to be threatened, doxxed, targeted with hate speech, or expelled because of political expression. Free speech and political protest are central tenets of higher education, and calls to attack and persecute activists attack the foundation of a free democracy,” before adding, “The other members of the executive board are discussing next steps. We want WashU students to know that their voices are heard and that we stand with any and all members of our community who have been impacted by the 9/11 attacks, the ensuing waves of anti-Muslim hate crimes in the US, and the injustices abroad committed in the name of fighting terror. We also stand with all students on campus who have experienced hate as a result of the increased Islamophobia and anti-Muslim violence in the years since the attacks, and reject all forms of violence and discrimination.”