A US federal judge ruled in favor of American activist Guy Christensen after Ohio State University expelled him for posting videos on TikTok criticizing Israeli practices in Gaza.

The ruling confirmed that the university had violated Christensen’s right to free speech protected under the US Constitution.

Legal organizations and human rights groups had previously considered Christensen’s expulsion under pressure from pro-Israel groups as unlawful and potentially damaging to his career, especially since his videos did not incite violence.

The ruling orders the removal of any record of Christensen’s expulsion from his academic record. It comes at a time when the activist faced widespread pressure, including smear campaigns, the release of personal information about him and his family, and accusations from US Congress members, due to his solidarity activities with Palestinians in Gaza.