THREAD: rip off university degrees

FOREIGN STUDENTS as Pawns: How Hamas Manipulates US Campuses

02 April 2025 — Al-Ketbi warns that foreign students are being manipulated by terrorist groups like Hamas, backed by Iran. His comments follow the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian-born Columbia University graduate facing deportation for pro-Hamas activities. Khalil’s case highlights how extremist groups exploit U.S. immigration laws to infiltrate society.

Khalil is accused of being a Hamas sympathizer with anti-American views, linked to violent campus activities at Columbia University. Videos show him urging protesters to “destroy” and “explode the heads of Zionists.” Al-Ketbi warns this is part of a pattern where foreign students act as proxies for hostile regimes like Iran on American campuses.

Student groups such as Columbia University’s Apartheid Divest and Students for Justice in Palestine are cited as platforms spreading antisemitic or pro-terrorism discourse under humanitarian pretenses. Al-Ketbi emphasizes that these organizations often mask their true intentions behind human rights activism while promoting dangerous ideologies.

He argues that U.S. academic institutions are vulnerable due to inadequate vetting and misuse of free speech protections. Universities must prevent political or terrorist exploitation to safeguard against these threats, according to Al-Ketbi’s analysis in the Saudi outlet Elaph translated by MEMRI.

DEPAUL University UNDER Fire: Jewish Students’ Attack Sparks Outrage

02 April 2025 — Lawyers for two Jewish students attacked at DEPAUL University will hold a press conference on April 2, 2025. They plan to announce a significant development in the case. The incident occurred last November, and criticism has mounted over the university’s response.

The Lawfare Project has accused DEPAUL of not adequately addressing the attack or ensuring Jewish students’ safety. Lead attorney Jaclyn Clark stated, “DEPAUL University failed to protect Max and Michael when they were viciously attacked by masked assailants last fall.” She emphasized that the university’s lack of action is unacceptable.

Photos of the suspects were released shortly after the attack, yet no arrests have been made. The press conference will occur outside the Daley Center at 10 a.m., featuring Senior Counsel Gerard Filitti and victims Max Long and Michael Kaminsky. They aim to discuss their next legal steps regarding this troubling incident.

TUFTS Student’s SHOCKING Detention by Federal Agents Sparks Outrage

27 March 2025 — Federal agents detained Rumeysa Ozturk, a Tufts University graduate student from Turkey, on Tuesday. She was heading to break her Ramadan fast when plainclothes agents approached and detained her. The incident was caught on video, showing what witnesses described as a chaotic scene that looked like a kidnapping.

Michael Mathis, a local resident, voiced concern over the agents’ methods. They used unmarked vehicles and covered their faces during the detention. This has raised questions about the transparency and appropriateness of their actions.

Ozturk had been active in pro-Palestinian activism at Tufts University. She co-authored an op-ed criticizing the university’s response to Israel’s actions in Gaza. Her attorney, Mahsa Khanbabai, reported being unable to contact her since she was taken into custody.

STUDENT’S Disappearance Sparks Travel Safety Alert

22 March 2025 — The disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student, has raised concerns about travel safety during spring break. Konanki vanished from the Riu Republica Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, on March 6. Her case highlights the need for vigilance when traveling abroad.

Bobby McDonald, a former Secret Service agent with over two decades of experience, shared essential safety tips for travelers. He emphasized staying within familiar areas and resort properties to avoid potential dangers. “Once you get off the property,” McDonald warned, "it’s very quickly you can find yourself in an area that you don’t want to be.

McDonald also stressed the importance of traveling in groups and not separating from companions. This advice is crucial for students planning trips abroad during spring break or study programs. Staying together can significantly reduce risks and enhance personal safety while exploring new destinations.

WOMAN’S Shocking WIG Scam Rocks UK Citizenship Tests

14 February 2025 — A WOMAN used wigs and disguises to impersonate at least 14 people in British citizenship tests, raising concerns about the process’s integrity. Authorities uncovered the scheme after spotting suspicious patterns among test-takers.

Investigations revealed her use of various disguises to avoid detection while pretending to be multiple candidates. This scandal highlights weaknesses in the system meant to assess eligibility for British citizenship.

Officials have promised stricter measures to prevent future fraud. The case has sparked media attention and debates on UK immigration policies, with ongoing investigations aiming to catch all involved parties.

BRITISH FRAUDSTER’S Shocking Scheme: Citizenship Test Scandal Exposed

30 January 2025 — A 61-year-old British woman is accused of impersonating at least 14 people to take citizenship tests in the United Kingdom. The U.K. Home Office reported that she used wigs and disguises to pose as both male and female applicants. Authorities claim her actions could lead to wrongful citizenship grants, posing a risk to public safety.

Immigration Enforcement officers arrested her and seized several false documents along with the wigs used in the scheme. She allegedly conducted this fraudulent activity at multiple test centers across the U.K. from June 2022 to August 2023.

The case highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining the integrity of immigration processes amid rising concerns over public safety and national security. This incident underscores the need for stricter measures and vigilance in safeguarding our borders against such deceptive tactics.

CRIME WAVE Rocks America: Fear And Chaos Unleashed

16 January 2025 — An American man has been sent back from France to the U.S. to face assault charges involving a student from Pennsylvania. This case shines a light on ongoing worries about campus safety and its impact on communities. U.S. authorities are preparing for prosecution, though details are still under wraps.

In Los Angeles, nine people have been charged with looting homes in areas hit by wildfires, with one also facing an arson charge. The District Attorney stressed the seriousness of these crimes during recovery efforts. Authorities are determined to protect vulnerable communities from exploitation during crises.

A suspect wielding a machete at the U.S. Capitol has been granted pre-trial release just before Donald Trump’s inauguration, raising national security concerns among lawmakers and experts alike. Officials are closely watching this situation as they prepare for this high-profile event in Washington D.C.;Police are investigating a series of late-night muggings by a suspect known as the “Haggler After Midnight.” Targeting specific victims, this crime spree has led authorities to urge public vigilance and reporting of suspicious activities as they work to catch the culprit before more incidents occur.

TOP FEDERAL Prosecutor Caught In Shocking Drunken HIT-And-RUN

22 August 2024 — A top federal narcotics prosecutor, Joseph Ruddy, violated ethics rules during a hit-and-run investigation last year. Ruddy, visibly intoxicated, handed his business card to Florida police officers after crashing into another vehicle and fleeing the scene. The Justice Department’s Office of Inspector General confirmed he misused his position as an assistant U.S. attorney in Tampa.

Body-camera footage from the Fourth of July incident shows Ruddy struggling to stand and slurring his words while leaning on his pickup truck for balance. Despite his condition, he presented his Justice Department credentials to officers from two jurisdictions investigating the crash. A Tampa police officer warned him that the footage would not look good when reviewed later.

The Justice Department’s report found that Ruddy engaged in conduct prejudicial to the government by driving drunk and leaving the scene of an accident. The case has been referred to the Professional Misconduct Review Unit for further action.

Although removed from several cases following inquiries about his status, Ruddy remains an assistant U.S. attorney as of Wednesday. Neither he nor his attorney has responded to requests for comment on this matter.

BLOOMBERG’S $1 Billion Gift Transforms Johns Hopkins Medical School

09 July 2024 — Starting this fall, Bloomberg Philanthropies will cover tuition for Johns Hopkins medical students from families earning under $300,000 annually. This initiative aims to reduce student debt and increase opportunities.

Students from families making less than $175,000 a year will also have their living expenses and fees covered. Mike Bloomberg stated that more generous financial aid has made Johns Hopkins more economically diverse and selective.

The $1 billion gift will not only make medical school tuition-free for those with limited means but also boost financial aid for other graduate programs at Johns Hopkins. This move is expected to attract top students who might otherwise be deterred by financial constraints.

POLICE BREAK UP PRO-Palestinian Camp At University Of Michigan

21 May 2024 — Police dismantled a pro-Palestinian camp at the University of Michigan early Tuesday. Officers in helmets and face shields cleared the Diag, a historic protest site. Video showed police using an irritant spray to disperse demonstrators.

The camp had been set up in late April, coinciding with spring commencement activities. Protesters placed fake body bags on a school official’s lawn and displayed posters taunting university leaders. President Santa Ono cited safety concerns, including overloaded power sources and open flames, as reasons for the removal.

Nearby buildings were closed after the camp was cleared, affecting students who came to study. Ono stated that organizers ignored safety directives following a fire marshal’s inspection. He emphasized that the encampment violated rules ensuring the Diag remains accessible to everyone.

Protesters demanded divestment from companies linked to Israel, but the university claims it has minimal indirect investments totaling less than 0.1% of its endowment in such funds.

ANTI-ISRAEL Protests Erupt at UC Irvine, 50 Arrested

16 May 2024 — At least 50 people were arrested after hundreds of anti-Israel protesters swarmed the campus of UC Irvine in California. The university confirmed Thursday that those arrested were disrupting operations and violating state laws.

Police cleared pro-Palestinian demonstrators from the Physical Sciences Lecture Hall on May 15, 2025. UC Irvine could not confirm if those arrested were students or outsiders.

The university moved to remote operations following the chaos. A spokesperson told Fox News Digital that barricades were set up by protesters inside the lecture hall. This is a developing story.

SEINFELD’S Speech Ignites Protests at Duke: Graduates Challenge His Views

13 May 2024 — A small group of Duke University graduates protested during comedian Jerry Seinfeld’s commencement speech in North Carolina. About 30 out of 7,000 students walked out, chanting “free Palestine.” Their protest sparked mixed reactions among the audience.

Seinfeld, who was honored with an honorary doctorate at the event, is known for his support of Israel. This stance has become more pronounced following recent conflicts between Israel and Gaza. The protests at Duke reflect a growing trend of campus activism in the U.S., where students are pushing their institutions to cut ties with Israeli businesses and supporters.

The unrest at Duke is indicative of a broader national movement on college campuses concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This spring alone witnessed nearly 2,900 arrests from protests at over 57 universities across the country. Students have established encampments and organized walkouts to compel their universities to address what they see as injustices in the Middle East.

These demonstrations highlight a significant shift toward more vocal and widespread student activism aimed at influencing university policies on international issues. The incident at Duke underscores the increasing willingness of students to use their voices to effect change on global matters directly impacting their communities and beyond.

JUSTICE At LAST: Architect of Police Officer’S Murder Gets Life Sentence

11 May 2024 — Piran Ditta Khan, aged 75, was handed a life sentence for masterminding the murder of a British police officer during a 2005 heist. He is required to serve at least 40 years. After the crime, Khan escaped to Pakistan but was extradited to the U.K. last year.

During sentencing, Judge Nicholas Hilliard stated that Khan will likely spend the rest of his life in prison given the gravity of his offenses. He noted that Khan had spent many years freely abroad, avoiding capture.

Khan did not directly kill Officer Sharon Beshenivsky but was found guilty as he orchestrated the robbery and provided the weapons used in her murder. The prosecution underscored his central role in this devastating incident in Bradford.

This case has highlighted the risks faced by Britain’s unarmed police force. As justice is served, there is a somber remembrance for Officer Beshenivsky’s family and their profound loss.

MIT ISSUES Ultimatum: Pro-Palestinian Students Face Suspension

07 May 2024 — MIT Chancellor Melissa Nobles has declared the pro-Palestinian encampment at MIT a policy violation. Students have been ordered to vacate by 2:30 p.m. or face immediate academic suspension. This move is part of a broader trend of universities taking action against such encampments nationwide.

Chancellor Nobles stressed MIT’s commitment to free expression but stated the necessity to end the encampment for community safety. Despite multiple discussions with encampment leaders, no resolution has been reached, leading to this decisive action from the administration.

Students who comply with the evacuation order by the deadline will avoid sanctions from MIT’s Committee on Discipline, provided they are not under current investigation or have held leadership roles in the encampment. This serves as a final warning to those involved in violating campus policies.

The situation underscores ongoing tensions on college campuses regarding Middle East politics and raises questions about finding a balance between free speech and institutional rules.

COLLEGE PROTESTS Intensify: US Campuses Erupt Over Israeli Military Moves in Gaza

29 April 2024 — Protests are growing on U.S. college campuses as graduation nears, with students and faculty upset about Israel’s military actions in Gaza. They are demanding that their universities cut financial ties with Israel. The tension has led to the setup of protest tents and occasional clashes among demonstrators.

The number of arrests has climbed as tensions rise, with about 275 students detained in one day at various institutions including Indiana University and Arizona State University. The total number of arrests linked to these demonstrations has reached nearly 900 after a major police operation at Columbia University earlier this month.

The protests are now focusing on the consequences for those arrested, with increasing calls for amnesty from both students and faculty members. This shift highlights growing concerns over the potential long-term impacts on students’ futures.

In reaction to how these events are being managed, faculty members in several states have shown their disapproval by casting votes of no confidence against university leaders, signaling deepening discontent within the academic community.

USC CHAOS: Students’ Milestones Disrupted Amid Protests

28 April 2024 — Grant Oh faced a maze of police blockades at the University of Southern California as officers detained protesters of the Israel-Hamas conflict. This turmoil is just one of many disruptions during his college years, which began amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Oh has already missed crucial events like his high school prom and graduation due to global upheavals.

The university recently canceled its main commencement ceremony, which was expected to host 65,000 attendees, adding another missed milestone to Oh’s college experience. His academic journey has been marked by continuous global crises, from pandemics to international conflicts. “It feels definitely surreal,” Oh commented on his disrupted educational path.

College campuses have long been hubs for activism, but today’s students are encountering unprecedented challenges. These include increased social media influence and isolation caused by pandemic restrictions. Psychologist Jean Twenge notes that these factors significantly contribute to elevated anxiety and depression rates among Generation Z compared to earlier generations.

TEXAS UNIVERSITY Police Crackdown Sparks Outrage

25 April 2024 — Police detained over a dozen individuals, including a local news photographer, during a pro-Palestinian protest at the University of Texas at Austin. The operation involved officers on horseback who moved decisively to remove protesters from the campus grounds. This event is part of a larger pattern of protests at various U.S. universities.

The situation intensified rapidly as police wielded batons and applied physical force to break up the assembly. A Fox 7 Austin photographer was forcibly pulled to the ground and detained while documenting the incident. Additionally, an experienced Texas journalist sustained injuries amid the chaos.

The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed that these detentions were carried out following requests from university leaders and Governor Greg Abbott. One student criticized the police action as excessive, warning it could provoke further protests against this aggressive approach.

Governor Abbott has not yet commented on the incident or the use of force by police during this event.

Supreme Court: Last RESORT for CUNY Professors Suing Union Over Alleged Antisemitism

22 January 2024 — A collective of professors from the City University of New York (CUNY) is taking legal action against a teachers union, Professional Staff Congress/CUNY (PSC). They accuse PSC of fostering antisemitism. The professors see their ultimate hope in the Supreme Court’s intervention. Despite their resignation from the union due to its perceived anti-Jewish bias, state law obliges them to maintain an association with it.

The dispute ignited when PSC endorsed a “Resolution in Support of the Palestinian People” in 2021. This resolution was interpreted as antisemitic and anti-Israel by six professors, prompting their withdrawal from the union. Nonetheless, New York State law dictates that these same professors must be represented by this union in collective bargaining discussions.

Avraham Goldstein, a mathematics professor and one of the six dissenters, voiced his distress over being compelled to align with a union he believes issues antisemitic statements without his approval.

This legal battle follows on from a significant Supreme Court ruling in Janus v. AFSCME (2018). The court decided that public employees who are not members can’t be forced to pay fees to a union as it infringes upon their First Amendment rights.