Stanford Demands FBI Probe into Hamas Headband Photo on Campus

Stanford University officials have submitted a photo to the FBI showing an individual on campus wearing a green headband similar to those worn by Hamas terrorist fighters. The photo, taken during recent anti-Israel protests where demonstrators have been camping overnight on university property, has raised concerns about the potential presence of Hamas-affiliated elements on campus.

Why this matters: The incident highlights the growing concern of antisemitic behavior on college campuses, which can have a chilling effect on Jewish students and create a hostile environment. It also underscores the need for universities to balance free speech with the need to prevent hate speech and violence.

The incident occurred on Friday, April 26, 2024, when two Jewish students spotted and photographed a protester in White Plaza encampment wearing a green headband resembling those worn by Hamas fighters in Gaza. The individual, whose affiliation with Stanford is unknown, was seen sitting at a picnic table looking at a smartphone. "We thought about going up to him and saying something, but then we figured it wasn't worth it and, if anything, it might just be dangerous," one of the students told Fox News.

In response, Stanford University notified the FBI, which has not publicly commented on the matter. The university stated that Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government. Multiple photos depict at least two individuals wearing the distinctive green headbands associated with Hamas during the on-campus protests.

The two anonymous Jewish students who reported the incident expressed frustration with what they perceive as a lack of action against antisemitic behavior on campus. "It's just very frustrating. You ask people where Israel and Palestine are on a map. They won't even know where it is," one student remarked. "It is definitely tough to be a Jewish student on campus now," the other added.

The university has received numerous expressions of concern regarding the circulated photo. While the FBI San Francisco field office declined to comment, the agency stated it respects individuals' First Amendment rights but will investigate those who violate federal law through violence or other criminal activity.

The incident at Stanford reflects a broader trend across college campuses nationwide, where pro-Palestinian protesters have been accused of crossing the line from free speech to antisemitic rhetoric. The current protests are in response to Israel's military offensive against the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip following the terror group's deadly October 7 attack on Israeli communities.

The green headbands worn by the protesters in the photos resemble those of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas's military wing. Stanford has been unable to identify the individuals pictured. The students who reported the incident are urging university administrators to take a stronger stand against speech that incites violence on campus.

Key Takeaways

• Stanford University submits photo to FBI of individual wearing Hamas-like headband on campus.
• Incident raises concerns about potential Hamas-affiliated elements on campus.
• Protesters wore green headbands similar to those worn by Hamas fighters in Gaza.
• Jewish students express frustration with lack of action against antisemitic behavior on campus.
• Incident reflects broader trend of antisemitic behavior on college campuses nationwide.