Backlash is intensifying against New York University (NYU) after its law school canceled an event featuring conservative Jewish legal analyst Ilya Shapiro. The event, organized by the university’s Federalist Society chapter, was set for the anniversary of Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023. NYU administrators intervened, citing security concerns connected to anticipated protests during that week.
In emails obtained by Fox News Digital, the university communicated that it could not allow Shapiro to speak on that specific date due to heightened security needs and resource commitments. “This is not a decision based on the proposed program or speaker but rather based on an obligation to provide enhanced security generally on campus during that week,” wrote Megan McDermott, NYU’s associate dean for academic and faculty affairs, in a September 17 email.
Despite the rationale provided, the situation drew criticism. Shapiro aimed to discuss his upcoming book, which critiques top law schools for fostering an environment that suppresses free speech in favor of ideological conformity. He stated, “There could not be a more on-the-nose example of weak university officials in the face of a heckler’s veto than this farce,” highlighting his frustration over the refusal to allow a conservative perspective to be shared publicly.
A spokesperson from the law school insisted that the event had not been canceled outright, but rather that students were asked to find a different date for Shapiro’s appearance. “We did not cancel an appearance by Mr. Shapiro,” Michael Orey stated. “When the students organizing the event requested a classroom on Oct. 7, they were informed that we could not accommodate them on that date, and we subsequently suggested alternative dates.”
Shapiro expressed disappointment over the situation, emphasizing that he was looking forward to engaging in meaningful discussion at NYU, a venue where he had previously spoken. He remarked, “But alas, the law school administration caved to the threat of bigoted protest—God forbid there be a conservative Jewish speaker on October 7.”
In response to the cancellation, plans were quickly made to host Shapiro at an off-campus location instead. The Federalist Society will feature him alongside two federal judges and Nadine Strossen, the former head of the American Civil Liberties Union.
This incident at NYU highlights a growing issue in academia where conservative voices encounter significant obstacles. As Shapiro pointedly noted, the limits imposed on his event serve as an illustrative case of the broader challenges in maintaining open dialogue within higher education settings.
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