A federal judge has ordered the release of Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk, who was detained for over six weeks after criticizing her school's response to the Israel-Gaza situation. U.S. District Judge William Sessions ruled that her detention violated her First Amendment rights. Ozturk's case is one of the more notable instances of the Trump administration's crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism. Following her imminent release, Tufts University pledged to provide housing and support as she resumes her doctoral studies, while White House officials described the ruling as part of a judicial challenge to their immigration policies.
The judge ruled that the sole reason Rumeysa Ozturk was detained was 'simply and purely the expression that she made or shared in the op-ed in violation of her First Amendment rights.'
Jessie Rossman, a lawyer for Ozturk, stated, 'We are so relieved that Rumeysa will soon be back in Massachusetts, and won't stop fighting until she is free for good.'
White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller described the ruling as 'another sign of what he considers a judicial coup' in the United States.
Tufts University plans to assist Ozturk with housing post-release, expressing hope she can rejoin the community soon to continue her studies.
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