The University of Chicago's recent $100 million anonymous donation to promote free speech has drawn criticism from protest groups, given the school's response to a pro-Palestinian encampment earlier this year.

According to the university the gift is the largest ever made to support its Chicago Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression, which was launched a year ago by President Paul Alivisatos.

The donation was ridiculed by participants of last spring's campus encampment, which was dismantled by the university when tents were removed, according to ABC7.

"It's hypocritical to award the University of Chicago with any sort of free speech gift, or any award to insinuate the university promotes free expression, especially since they held my degree and put my life on hold — because I asserted my free speech," Youssef Hasweh, a graduate whose diploma was withheld by the university for two months, allegedly for his involvement in the protest, told the outlet.

Sabha Abour, a liaison between the city and protesting students during the encampment, expressed mixed feelings about the announcement. While she was pleased with the support for free expression, she criticized the university for being hypocritical.

"Hopefully, this means no more diploma delays for students advocating for Palestinian rights," Abour said.

At the time of the encampment, Alivisatos explained in a letter that the university tried to "provide the greatest leeway possible for free expression" but drew the line when that expression "disrupts study, scholarship, and free movement around campus."

"Like many other societies, the United States is grappling with issues related to free expression, including misinformation, a polarized media environment, and a rising censoriousness," Tom Ginsburg, a University of Chicago Law School professor said in the statement.

The university said the funds will assist the Chicago Forum in expanding its research and fellowship program and inviting more public thinkers to attend seminars to discuss their work with students. The money will also go toward the forum's orientation program for new students.

Tags University of Chicago, Donation