Arizona State University (ASU) has unexpectedly canceled a scheduled Friday afternoon event featuring Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.). The event, organized by the Arizona Palestine Network, a pro-Palestine advocacy group, faced cancellation due to what the university referred to as “procedural issues.”

Procedural Concerns Prompt Event Halt

A university spokesperson informed The Arizona Republic that procedural issues surrounding event organization led to the cancellation. ASU emphasized that events using university facilities must adhere to registration processes, meet crowd management, parking, security, and insurance requirements, and be produced in a way that minimizes disruptions to academic and campus activities.

The spokesperson clarified that the event was planned and executed by groups unaffiliated with ASU, violating the school’s policies and procedures. Consequently, the university declared that the event, initially set to take place on the ASU Tempe campus, would not proceed as planned.

Tlaib’s Controversial Stance on Israel Draws Attention

Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian-American member of Congress, has been a focal point of controversy due to her outspoken criticism of U.S. involvement with Israel in its conflict with Hamas. Tlaib, who was slated to speak at the canceled event, faced censure from the House in early November for her comments against Israel during its war with Hamas.

The House passed a reprimand in a 234-188-4 vote, with 22 Democrats joining Republicans in supporting the resolution. Tlaib’s criticism extended to Israel’s retaliatory strikes following Hamas’s initial attack, which claimed the lives of at least 1,200 Israelis.

Social Media Controversy Surrounds Tlaib

Adding to the controversy, Tlaib posted a video on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) in which she claimed President Biden supported the genocide of the Palestinian people. The video featured the phrase “from the river to the sea,” characterized as antisemitic language by the Anti-Defamation League. Despite criticism, Tlaib defended her use of the controversial phrase in another online post.

ASU Facing Advocacy Pressure The Arizona Palestine Network, the organizing group behind the canceled event, has urged its supporters to demand ASU reverse the decision. The group provided the contact information of the school’s senior vice president and general counsel on its website, indicating a pushback against the perceived infringement on freedom of speech.

The Hill has reached out to both ASU and Tlaib’s office for comments on the event cancellation. The incident raises questions about the balance between free expression and adherence to university procedures, adding another layer to the ongoing debate surrounding Tlaib’s views on the Israel-Hamas conflict.