Chambana Sun

State Representative Chris Miller highlighted a recent decision by the University of Illinois regarding the student organization Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP). In an October 25 Facebook post, Miller said, "The University of Illinois has regained its common sense and is no longer recognizing ‘Students for Justice In Palestine’ (SJP) as a registered student organization."

"The University of Illinois has regained its common sense and is no longer recognizing ‘Students for Justice In Palestine' (SJP) as a registered student organization," said Miller, according to Facebook.

According to Miller's post, he shared an article from The Center Square detailing the university's decision. The publication cited Robin Kaler, the associate chancellor of strategic communications and marketing at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), who explained that on August 14, 2024, a subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Student Discipline found SJP had violated several provisions of the Student Code during events held between April 26 and May 10, 2024. Kaler noted that SJP chose not to appeal this decision.

Screenshot of State Representative Chris Miller's Oct. 25 Facebook post | State Representative Chris Miller's Facebook page

WCIA reported that SJP had established a 12-day encampment on campus in April and May without authorization from the university. This included setting up tents and canopies near the Alma Mater statue. On October 21, SJP issued a statement via social media: "The wrongful disbandment of Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is part of a disturbing trend of silencing student activism."

Campus Reform reported that SJP also displayed posters related to individuals killed in conflicts involving Hamas, Israel, and Hezbollah and vandalized campus building signs. Kaler informed Campus Reform that affixing banners in unauthorized areas is prohibited by university policy.

Chris Miller has served in the Illinois State House of Representatives since his election in 2019. A native of Illinois, he operates as a third-generation cattle farmer and grain operator in Hindsboro. He holds an associate degree in agriculture from Lake Land College and a Bachelor of Science in Education.