University in France denies admission to student from Gaza due to allegedly offensive online comments
A French university, Sciences Po Lille, has taken a firm stance against hate speech after cancelling the enrollment of a 25-year-old student from Gaza named Nour Atallah. The decision was made following the discovery of antisemitic social media posts, where Atallah reposted messages calling for the killing of Jews[1][2][3].
The university, known for its commitment to values of inclusivity and tolerance, emphasized that Atallah's posts contradicted their stance against racism, antisemitism, discrimination, and incitement to hatred[1][2][3]. The student had been admitted to the university following a recommendation from the French consulate in Jerusalem and initially stayed at the university director's home while waiting for permanent housing.
The controversy surrounding Atallah's posts triggered strong responses from French officials. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot ordered an internal inquiry and stated that a Gazan student making antisemitic remarks has no place in France[2][4]. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau demanded the closure of the hateful social media account and legal actions against it, condemning Hamas propagandists' presence in France[2][4].
Atallah is currently under a criminal investigation by Lille's public prosecutor for "justifying terrorism" and "crimes against humanity." French authorities have confirmed she will have to leave France as part of the legal process[4].
This incident comes at a time when France is planning to officially recognize a Palestinian state in September 2025, a decision that has sparked controversy among French Jewish leaders and Israeli officials. The incident underscores heightened sensitivities in France amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict[1][2][3].
It's worth noting that the student's social media accounts have been closed following the controversy, and the French interior ministry deemed the posts as containing calls for the death of Jewish people[1][2][3]. The university's decision to cancel the student's enrolment was made after consultations with the education ministry and regional authorities.
- The social media posts, containing calls for the death of Jewish people, were reposted by Nour Atallah, a student at Sciences Po Lille, which led to her enrollment being canceled.
- The French university, known for its commitment to education and values of inclusivity, emphasized that Atallah's posts contradicted their stance against racism, antisemitism, discrimination, and incitement to hatred.
- French officials have condemned hate speech on social media, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot ordering an internal inquiry and Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau demanding the closure of the hateful account.
- Atallah is currently under investigation for "justifying terrorism" and "crimes against humanity," and it has been confirmed she will have to leave France as part of the legal process.
- The incident involving Nour Atallah's antisemitic social media posts highlights ongoing sensitivities in France, particularly amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, as the country plans to officially recognize a Palestinian state in September 2025.
