UWM lifts temporary suspension of 5 student groups associated with intimidating Instagram posts

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- UW-Milwaukee has lifted the temporary suspension of five student groups associated with intimidating Instagram posts on Thursday, Sept. 5. 

In July, they suspended the organizations associated with a coalition that posted "alarming messages" on Instagram while an investigation was conducted. 

UWM said an Instagram story posted on July 19 from the uwm4palicoalition account included intimidating language aimed at Jewish community members and organizations that support Israel. UWM said they strongly denounced the post, and any form of antisemitism. 

The suspended groups included Students for Justice in Palestine, the Muslim Student Association, Students for a Democratic Society, Young Democratic Socialists of America and Un-PAC, all of which identified as part of the coalition in the spring, according to UWM. 

In a letter from the Office of the Chancellor, UWM wrote, in part:

"Based on the investigation, UWM concluded that the social media posts did not meet the very high bar under the First Amendment to constitute the legal definition of a true threat, which is a recognized exception to First Amendment protection."

The full statement can be read here.