Two Black Northwestern students facing criminal charges in response to parody copies of the university’s student-led newspaper 

On Oct. 25th 2023, newspapers parodying The Daily Northwestern were found across campus, calling the university and press out for its complicity in the genocide in Gaza. Following hysteria from parties not affiliated with the university, an investigation was launched by NUPD to identify those responsible. Now, Student Publishing Company, the parent company of The Daily Northwestern, is pressing Class A misdemeanor charges—a crime classification that includes battery and aggravated assault—against two Black Northwestern students. If convicted, the students could face jail time and/or a substantial fine as well as a permanent mark on their criminal record.

Along with the gross overcharge, the approach NUPD took in contacting these students was nothing short of a spectacle, causing them undue emotional distress. On Nov 10th. NUPD traveled well out of NUPD jurisdiction to one student’s Chicago apartment, leaving a note under their door after only attempting to call them once that same day.  On Nov 15th, multiple NUPD officers stopped the second student at their classroom door, fully uniformed in bullet proof vests and sporting body cameras. 

We are watching the targeted over-policing of Black students at this University continue without accountability. We will not fall for the university’s efforts to fear monger. As members of the Northwestern community—an environment that has proven time and time again its hostility to its students—we have a duty to protect each other and refuse to be silenced.