Brodie Mitchell, a Royal Holloway student, is facing a police referral to prosecutors after comparing a pro-Palestinian activist's keffiyeh to a 'tea towel' during a campus event. The remark followed a heated exchange in which both students insulted one another; Mitchell says he was called a 'wannabe Jew' and criticised for not wearing a kippah. Royal Holloway suspended Mitchell for nine weeks while the university investigates, and prosecutors will decide whether to bring charges.
Keffiyeh Comment Sparks Hate-Crime Inquiry at Royal Holloway
Brickbat: No Spilled Tea
Brodie Mitchell, a student at Royal Holloway, University of London, is under investigation after telling a pro-Palestinian activist at a campus event that the activist's keffiyeh looked like a 'tea towel.' Police have referred the incident to prosecutors for possible hate crime consideration.
The remark came during a heated exchange in which both students exchanged insults. Mitchell, who describes himself as a 'non-Jewish Zionist,' says the other student called him a 'wannabe Jew' and criticised him for not wearing a kippah.
'It looked like a tea towel,' Mitchell reportedly said of the keffiyeh.
Royal Holloway suspended Mitchell for nine weeks while the university conducts its own disciplinary review. At the time of reporting, no formal criminal charges had been announced; prosecutors will decide whether to pursue the matter.
Context and Reactions
The incident has highlighted tensions on campus surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict and raised questions about how universities balance free expression with protections against hate speech. The original report about the incident was published on Reason.com.
What Happens Next: Prosecutors will determine whether the police referral leads to charges. The university's disciplinary process will proceed in parallel, and both students may be contacted for further statements.
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