US academic groups sue White House over planned deportations of pro-Gaza students

Trump administration is accused of inciting climate of repression' and stifling free speech on campuses, including Columbia University

US academic groups have sued the Trump administration in an effort to block the deportation of foreign students and scholars who have been targeted for voicing pro-Palestinian views and criticism of Israel.

The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and the Middle East Studies Association (Mesa) filed a lawsuit at a US federal court in Boston on Tuesday accusing the administration of fomenting a climate of repression" on campuses and stifling constitutionally guaranteed free speech rights.