The Planet reports that two Berkeley students involved in the Church of the Nativity standoff have been kinda/sorta expelled and are currently detained by Israel.

No word if one of the student in question is Robert O'Neill, and the article is unclear about if these students merely 'protested' out front or were involved in the famed rush into the Church with backpacks. The University is being intentionally vague about exactly how expelled they are; they're 'out for the moment' but can 'finish up course work' and 'will have opportunities to get back in.'

What burns my bubbles is why they were expelled: for violating policies that commands them to do 'safe things.' I'm sympathetic towards a condition for studying abroad that mandates staying away from War Zones. But to paint this as looking out for the student is trying to be a nursemaid-- something that really pisses me off. See below.

Now, expelling for aiding and abetting terrorism-- that charge might stick. But how about some due process? Or treating the student as an adult? 'Student' is an occupation, not a way of life.

More on this when it comes out.Email This Post!