Hashemite University ‘suspends student over protests, insults’

AMMAN — The Hashemite University (HU) on Monday suspended a fourth-year student for four academic semesters over his activities on campus over the last four years, a university official said on Tuesday. 

Ibrahim Obeidat, an electrical engineering student at the university, was banned from entering campus for two years after being referred to two disciplinary committees to investigate his activities, the dean of student affairs, Mustafa Khawaldeh, said.

According to the Student Disciplinary System at HU, Obeidat had violated several campus regulations, Khawaldeh told The Jordan Times.

The regulations prohibit organising events on campus without the administration’s approval and insulting university staff. Students who violate these rules may be asked to leave the classroom, banned from attending some classes or suspended from any scholarship programmes, according to the university’s website.

“Ibrahim’s suspension was due to several behaviours that were piling up over the years that violate the official rules and regulations of the university,” Khawaldeh said. 

Khawaldeh said the protests held by Obeidat and other students on campus were also among the reasons for his suspension, adding that the demonstrations were not authorised by the university’s deanship or administration.

“The decision was issued by the deanship’s offices, not the administration. Ibrahim can appeal the decision with the administration or he can resort to the judicial system. Demonstrations and marches will not address the problem,” the university official said.

On his way to university, Obeidat told The Jordan Times that he believes students have the right to express their opinions and that he was only questioned by the university’s disciplinary committee about the protests organised earlier this year.

“Four semesters is too much for a student; I cannot apply to any scholarships on campus, including the scholarship offered by the Higher Education Ministry when I get back or for my postgraduate studies,” he added.

Many students and activists decried the university’s decision to ban Obeidat from continuing his studies, especially as he was due to graduate next year. They expressed their support on social media.

“I think banning someone from his education would lead to many other serious issues that cannot be resolved. Anything can happen in two years, this is not fair,” student Ayat Talafha said.