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Syracuse University’s Student Government Association approved funding for an upcoming demonstration hosted by the Palestinian Solidarity Association after some debate by assembly members at its Monday meeting.

Titled “Remember the Nakba,” the event commemorates the Nakba, a period of mass displacement and dispossession of Palestinian communities during the creation of the Israeli state in 1948 that represents a “deeply traumatic event” for Palestinians and the diaspora, according to the United Nations.

The assembly only debated the funding’s approval after an assembly member questioned the role SGA has in funding what they viewed to be a “protest,” following the announcement of the finance board’s prior approval.

Regardless of personal opinions, Speaker Pro Tempore Max Lachut reminded present assembly members they cannot be persuaded by their own stances. He also said the finance board must remain unbiased regarding political events or organizations, which informed its decision to approve PSA’s funding request.

Concerned members mentioned the distinction between a demonstration — like the proposed event — and a protest. Some also highlighted SGA’s impartiality and university policies on free speech.

SGA Comptroller Alexis Leach, who moderated the discussion, said she was keeping assembly members aware of the finance board’s rules regarding how and where discretion can be used in withholding funds from an organization.

“We are here (to discuss) whether we have demonstrations or not, and not what PSA is doing,” Leach said.

SGA President German Nolivos argued that using students’ activity fees towards politicized demonstrations could set new precedent for future demonstrations that may suggest political affiliation by the organization, but acknowledged SGA’s frameworks don’t allow this authority.

“We should, in the future, when we’re working in fiscal code, not fund any type of protest or demonstration,” Nolivos said. “That said, that’s not currently in the codes.”

In support of the funding, Chief of Staff Luis Gomez compared the PSA event to that of other political organizations, including activities SGA approved for the College Democrats, College Republicans and others, emphasizing an unbiased approach in discretion over the distribution of political groups’ funds.

“We’re here as a student government again to protect the rights of students … to do things that they want to do, and speak their minds, as long as they’re not hurting other people,” Gomez said.

PSA followed all proper protocol with the university and SGA, specifically in registering the event Campus Disruption and Demonstration Policy, Lachut said.

By its conclusion, the assembly overwhelmingly agreed students’ free speech must be upheld and protected by SGA, and affirmed it cannot be swayed by personal politics. As a result, the funding was approved.

The meeting’s keynote speaker, Jeff Rubin, also presented his responsibilities and actions taken in his role as SU’s chief digital officer at the beginning of the meeting.

Rubin primarily spoke about the university’s relationship with Anthropic’s Claude for Education, an artificial intelligence service, and its implementation for students. He also fielded questions largely focused on the future of AI for higher education.

All SU students have access to Claude Enterprise, a premium version of the platform. This was given to all students to promote equality of access as well as “transform” and “reimagine” the student experience, Rubin said.

Although the service is offered by the university, Rubin reminded students SU has no power for legal subpoena to monitor data. He encouraged students to continue to immerse themselves and gain dexterity with AI.

“Everybody’s future career is going to be disrupted in some way, shape or form, with AI,” Rubin said. “AI is going to help you personally. It’s going to help you professionally.”

Furthermore, Rubin explained a prospective integration of AI with online SU platforms, including MySlice and Degree Works, which he said he predicts will assist students in gaining more detailed information on classes, personalized scheduling and an overall improved experience with these services.

Other Business:

• SU began its “Multicultural Week,” which brings daily activities for students, including indigenous beadwork, karaoke, dance and movie screenings.
• The fraternity Pi Kappa Alpha installed its newest permanent chapter at SU in a celebration at Drumlins Country Club. The Alpha Chi chapter has existed on campus since 1913, was suspended for alleged hazing in 2015 and returned to campus in 2024 as a provisional chapter.
• The assembly passed a bill to organize the first indoor farmer’s market at the JMA Wireless Dome’s Miron Victory Court on March 1st from noon to 5 p.m.

Published on February 24, 2026 at 2:13 am
Contact Sean: sharri43@syr.edu