UT-Austin President Must Face Pro-Palestine Protester’s Suit

University of Texas at Austin President James E. Davis must face retaliation claims from a student member of a pro-Palestine organization who was suspended for protesting against the war in Gaza.

The case should move forward because it remains unclear if the disciplinary action taken by UT violated student Ammer Qaddumi’s First Amendment rights, US District Judge Robert Pitman of the Western District of Texas said in the Tuesday order.

Pitman previously said the case should move forward in denying Davis’ motion to dismiss last June; a trial is set for May 11.

Qaddumi—who was suspended for three semesters and banned from campus—argued that the protest he planned through the Palestine Solidarity Committee was to be peaceful and in compliance with campus rules. The university disagreed and said the group aimed to set up tents and occupy campus, which is prohibited by school rules.

Whether Qaddumi’s suspension was justified based on social media posts UT says showed tent-filled protests aimed at disrupting campus operations is “appropriate for resolution at trial,” Pitman said in denying Davis’ summary judgment motion.

Pitman rejected Davis’ claim that the case is now moot, holding that even though Qaddumi returned to school after the suspension he could face harm from that finding once he leaves again. A disciplinary record is a concrete injury that could impact one’s employment or school admissions, Pitman said in pointing to several appeals court rulings holding the same.

Qaddumi is represented by Austin Community Law Center and Ahmad Zavitsanos & Mensing. Davis is represented by Michael Best & Friedrich LLP.

The case is Qaddumi v. Davis, W.D. Tex., No. 1:24-cv-1002, 4/14/26.