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WASHINGTON, D.C. – America First Legal (AFL) has sent a demand letter and formally notified Boston University (BU) that it represents a student whom the university failed to protect from credible death threats after he reported apparent violations of federal immigration law.
Zachary Segal, a BU undergraduate student, became the target of harassment after posting on X that he contacted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to report what he believed to be violations of federal immigration law.
There is nothing unlawful about reporting suspected violations of federal law. Yet, thousands of individuals, including fellow BU students, sent Mr. Segal threatening messages and covered campus with posters labeling Segal a “racist and fascist.” One poster displayed across the campus states that people like Segal have “no place” on BU’s campus.
Mr. Segal received multiple death threats, including messages stating, “If I ever see you i’m [expletive] killing you and leaving ur dead body on the sidewalk”; “I’ll be waiting outside your little event tonight”; and “We’re coming for you.” One message referenced the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, threatening, “Here’s to hoping you’re the next to get Kirked.”
Rather than defend Segal, Boston University instructed Segal not to attend classes and placed the burden on him to arrange academic accommodations himself, effectively admitting it could not ensure his safety on campus. At the same time, BU officials issued critical public statements and refused to condemn the threats or announce concrete safety measures.
Boston University’s response violates its duty of care under Massachusetts law and contradicts its own published commitments to protect free expression and protect students from harassment. Because the University has acknowledged it cannot safely accommodate Mr. Segal in Boston, AFL has demanded a reasonable accommodation — allowing him to transfer to Boston University’s Washington, D.C. program for the remainder of his education.
“Universities cannot claim to support free speech while allowing students to face death threats for expressing political opinions,” said Emily Percival, Senior Counsel at America First Legal. “Boston University must protect its students, not force them into hiding.”
America First Legal will continue to fight for accountability when institutions abandon their legal obligations and allow intimidation to quell free expression.
Read the full letter here.
Read more about AFL’s efforts here.
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