Maryland
University System of Maryland to only allow university-sponsored events on October 7
University of Maryland President William Pines announced this weekend that only university-sponsored activities “that promote reflection” will be held on October 7th.
The day will mark one year since Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel killed around 1,200 people and took around 250 hostages. Israel retaliated, declaring war on Hamas, which has resulted in more than 40,000 people dead, according to Gaza health officials.
This came after the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) group had reserved the McKeldin Mall and Jewish organizations on campus had reserved Hornbake Plaza on October 7th to mark the day.
The announcement cancels both of these events.
“Jointly, out of an abundance of caution,” wrote Pines in an email to the campus community, “we concluded to host only university-sponsored events that promote reflection on this day. All other expressive events will be held prior to October 7, and then resume on October 8 in accordance with time, place and manner considerations of the First Amendment.”
This policy is in place for all University System of Maryland Schools.
“The intent is not to abridge students’ right to free expression; the intent is, instead, to be sensitive to the needs of our students. Our university communities may use this day to safely come together to reflect and to share, to learn and to listen, and, yes, to challenge one another. That’s the premise—and the promise—of higher education.”
-University System of Maryland Statement
SJP wrote in a statement on its Instagram account: “We as Students for Justice in Palestine are deeply angered, though not surprised, by the University of Maryland administration’s decision to cancel our reservation for a vigil at McKeldin Mall on October 7th.”
It continues, “Rest assured that we will find ways to mark this one year of genocide and one year of resistance.”
University of Maryland students worried about antisemitism on campus
The Jewish Student Union also posted a statement to its Instagram account.
“We are reassured to learn that Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of Maryland will no longer be permitted to host their event on McKeldin Mall, or anywhere on campus, on October 7th,” the organization writes.
“Only university-sponsored events will occur on October 7th,” they continued. “While this is not an ideal situation, it ensures that our physical and psychological safety is protected on this day of grief.”
In the email from Pines, he noted that a safety assessment had been done and that there was “no immediate or active threat.”
The Jewish Student Union added that they would be holding an event to memorialize the day at Maryland Hillel, a center for Jewish life and students, which is located just off campus.
The UMD Chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace also released a statement standing with SJP “in their anger with the university admin’s decision to cancel our registration to hold a joint vigil on October 7th.”
The email from Pines added that “we encourage our entire community to mark the anniversary of October 7 with remembrance and reflection.”
At the moment, it’s unclear what university-sponsored events will take place on October 7th, at the College Park campus.
Maryland
Moore announces $3 million in aid to help small- and minority-owned business in Maryland – WTOP News
Gov. Wes Moore announced the $3 million in financial help, which his office said will help small- and minority-owned businesses create 72 new jobs and retain 28 more.
Some small- and minority-owned businesses in Maryland will be able to get some investment help from the state.
That’s because Gov. Wes Moore announced that the $3 million in financial help, which his office said, will help small- and minority-owned businesses create 72 new jobs and retain 28 more.
It’s part of an investment created by the DECADES Act passed by the General Assembly earlier this year.
The money can be used to help those businesses buy new equipment, purchase real estate and fund working capital.
Moore said in a statement that the state “must ensure that every entrepreneur has a fair shot at success.”
“This investment through the Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority, bolstered by the DECADE Act of 2026, is a testament to our commitment to creating equitable pathways to work, wages, and wealth for our small and minority-owned businesses,” the governor added.
In the fiscal years between 2021 and 2025, the state’s small business development financing authority helped 2,450 jobs by utilizing $33 million in loans and equity investments, Moore’s office said in a release.
State Commerce Secretary Harry Coker Jr. said “Maryland is focused on creating an equitable, robust, and competitive economy,” which he said starts with supporting small businesses.
“We’re grateful to these small businesses for creating new job opportunities in Maryland and look forward to watching them grow throughout the state,” Coker Jr. said.
Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.
© 2026 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
Maryland
Sunny and breezy Saturday expected in Maryland
Maryland
Kittleman breaks with Republicans, the party of his father
-
Health18 minutes agoHow 3 Women Reversed Fatty Liver Disease and Lost Nearly 300 Lbs. Combined
-
Lifestyle33 minutes agoSunday Puzzle: ‘Fair’ Game
-
Technology45 minutes agoMarathon’s second season is a chance for Bungie to turn things around
-
World48 minutes agoEnglish cops cuffed teen stabbing victim after attacker claimed racial assault
-
Politics53 minutes agoArizona school board member gets backlash after mocking board president with Nazi salute
-
Health60 minutes agoJust 5 minutes of prayer could have surprising health benefits, study finds
-
Sports1 hour agoSuper Bowl champion Joe Theismann explains why Commanders are poised to bounce back from disappointing season
-
Technology1 hour agoHumanoid robot cleans first US apartment