Umaymah Mohammad began her journey toward a dual career as a primary care physician and a sociologist at Emory University in 2019. However, her aspirations came to a halt following her suspension from the medical school last year. The cause of her suspension was her public concerns about a faculty member who had volunteered as a reserve medic for Israel during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Despite not naming the faculty member, her remarks during an interview on Democracy Now! have led to significant academic repercussions.
Currently, Mohammad faces suspension from Emory’s medical program until the end of the 2027-2028 academic year, with probation extending until her delayed graduation date in 2029. She is thought to be the first medical student to receive such a suspension for protesting the Gaza conflict, a status that poses a severe threat to her medical career due to the permanent mark on her academic record.
In response to her suspension, she filed a federal lawsuit on August 4 against Emory University, its board of trustees, and the School of Medicine’s dean, Dr. John William Eley. The lawsuit accuses the institution of violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, including claims of discrimination and a denial of procedural due process. The Council on American-Islamic Relations co-filed the lawsuit supporting her case.
Mohammad reported significant negative impacts on her mental and physical health due to the suspension and the hostile atmosphere on campus. She expressed experiencing heightened anxiety and fear for her safety due to threats from some students. Her experiences reflect a growing trend where students advocating for Palestinian rights face increasing hostility within American universities.
She has described her suspension as a reflection of a broader suppression of Palestinian voices, asserting that it mirrors the dangerous and discriminatory logic currently employed in the conflict.
Despite the material consequences of her suspension, Mohammad remains steadfast in her commitment to social justice, emphasizing that no career or academic achievement outweighs her moral obligations. She sees her lawsuit as part of a larger fight against institutions perceived as complicit in systemic injustices, advocating for accountability from healthcare institutions in light of their roles in global conflicts.
The recent history at Emory University includes a previous Title VI civil rights complaint regarding a hostile environment for Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim students. Tensions on campus erupted in April 2024, when police forcefully dispersed students protesting in solidarity with Palestine. Mohammad believes that such incidents highlight the urgent need for change in how universities address discrimination and amplifies the call for freedom of expression.
As she continues her advocacy, Mohammad remains committed to challenging structural violence, asserting that her identity as an advocate will persist regardless of her current educational status. She emphasizes the importance of community activism in the pursuit of justice, reinforcing her belief that no academic institution can take away her dedication to speaking out against violence and inequality.