Five Palestinian students have been admitted to DePaul
University through the Displaced Students Initiative, allowing them to study
remotely amid ongoing educational disruptions caused by conflict. Four of these
students are currently enrolled, supported by efforts inspired by DePaul’s
prior initiatives aiding students affected by war zones.
DePaul University Welcomes Displaced Palestinian Students
As reported by DePaulia journalist LiLi
Jarvenpa, five Palestinian students have been admitted to DePaul University
under a program aimed at supporting displaced students from conflict areas.
Through this initiative, these students are able to continue their education
remotely at DePaul, with four of them currently enrolled in courses.
The Displaced Students Initiative is part of DePaul’s wider
commitment to creating opportunities for students whose education has been
disrupted due to conflict, notably drawing from the success of prior efforts to
support students displaced by the Russia-Ukraine war.
Background of the Displaced Students Initiative
The initiative was proposed by DePaul’s Student Government
Association (SGA) diversity and equity committee, which campaigned for what
they called the "Gaza Scholars Program" aimed at providing
scholarships and educational opportunities to Palestinian students who have
been displaced by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Parveen Mundi, chair of the diversity and equity committee, shared with DePaulia that the idea originated to enable these students to continue their education despite the destruction of educational infrastructure in Gaza.
“We are hoping that DePaul can offer full tuition scholarships to Palestinian students to have them study here,”
Mundi said.
"Students at DePaul could really benefit from studying and learning alongside students from Gaza."
Implementation and Support
Rob Manuel, President of DePaul University, supports the
initiative and has expressed readiness to explore ways to facilitate the
enrollment of Palestinian students, including the possibility of remote
learning if travel to the campus is not feasible.
The program takes inspiration from DePaul’s earlier response to the Russia-Ukraine war, where the university quickly enrolled over 100 students from Ukraine in online classes. Ali, a member of the DEI committee, highlighted this precedent by saying,
“When DePaul wanted to help Ukrainian students, they found a way... now when Palestinian students face the complete destruction of educational infrastructure, talented students lose precious opportunities.”
Maryam Naveed, a DEI committee member and representative for
the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, emphasised the importance of the
scholarship program, noting it as vital support for people living in war zones
and displaced from access to education.
Broader Context of Support for Displaced Palestinian Students in Higher Education
The Displaced Students Initiative at DePaul is part of a
larger international effort coordinated by educational and humanitarian
organisations to support Palestinian students affected by conflict. The New
University in Exile Consortium announced earlier that several Palestinian
students have also been admitted through similar programs on full-tuition
scholarships at other institutions such as The New School.
The destruction of higher education infrastructure in Gaza
and the West Bank amid Israel’s military operations has left thousands without
access to their educational pursuits. The Consortium is actively raising funds
to assist Palestinian students with living expenses, insurance, and other needs
while studying abroad or remotely.
University Responses to Palestinian Student Advocacy
The initiative coincides with ongoing campus climate issues
at DePaul relating to pro-Palestinian activism. As reported by Zainab Al-Jayab
of Palestine Legal, DePaul University has faced legal scrutiny for
alleged actions that students say discriminate against Palestinian, Arab, and
Muslim students, particularly those involved in advocacy groups such as
Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP).
An attorneys' letter addressed to the university in May 2025
warned that DePaul risks violating federal civil rights laws by maintaining
what plaintiffs describe as a hostile environment for pro-Palestine student
activists. The letter traces instances of disciplinary sanctions and failure to
address reports of harassment against these students.
President Robert Manuel testified in a Congressional hearing
stating that DePaul had suspended the SJP chapter, a claim disputed by the
group, which remains on probation pending investigation.
DePaul’s Institutional and Community Support
Despite the tensions, DePaul continues to express a
commitment to its Vincentian values and social justice mission, emphasizing
education access and support for displaced and vulnerable students.
Furthermore, the Student Government Association’s "Open Books, Open Hearts" campaign actively pushes for sustained attention and resources to bring more Palestinian students to DePaul or enroll them in remote classes. Ali of the DEI committee stated,
“This would be a very very good opportunity to show that DePaul does follow its Vincentian values. It is not performative, we are actually doing service. We are doing right by others.”
Admission and Enrollment Process
The admitted Palestinian students are following the same
application procedures as other international students. DePaul’s International
Admission Office guides admitted students through steps including intent to
enrol declarations, tuition deposit submissions, and housing arrangements for
those who wish to study on campus in Chicago.
For displaced students unable to travel, DePaul offers
remote learning options, enabling them to maintain academic progress
uninterrupted despite displacement.
DePaul University’s Displaced Students Initiative
exemplifies a growing movement among global educational institutions to respond
constructively to humanitarian crises affecting student populations. By
admitting and supporting five Palestinian students amidst conflict-driven
displacements, DePaul upholds its educational mission and values.
The initiative continues alongside wider efforts from universities and consortia worldwide to provide inclusive education access to future leaders disrupted by war, promoting hope and resilience in the face of adversity.