ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Four University of Rochester students accused of taking part in the distribution of "Wanted" posters that authorities said targeted Jewish faculty members have been expelled, according to a student protest group. The posters were found hanging around the River Campus in early November. 4 UR students plead not guilty in ‘wanted’ posters case Rochester Students for Justice in Palestine, a UR student advocacy group that raises awareness about the war in Gaza, announced via social media on Friday that four students were expelled amid the ongoing investigation into these posters. Students Samantha Escobar, Jonathan Bermudez, Naomi Gutierrez, and Jefferson Turcios were charged in relation to the incident. They pleaded not guilty to felony criminal mischief back in November. The group has since opened a petition, urging the university to reverse course, calling the university's action "authoritarian overreach." "As the death toll in Palestine soars to over 47,000 killed and over 110,000 Palestinians injured, advocacy for justice and liberation has never been more critical. Silencing students who stand against oppression not only denies them their right to free speech but a shameful betrayal of the fight for human rights. These expulsions echo broader efforts to suppress conversations about the ongoing genocide in Palestine and the right to challenge injustices worldwide," students announced. What does the ceasefire agreement mean for Israel, Hamas and the wider Middle East? News 8 reached out to the group for comment Saturday afternoon but has yet to receive a response. When asked to confirm the expulsions Saturday, University of Rochester leadership was unable to do so citing FERPA. "As a University, we recognize the heightened public attention and concern that has arisen over the past several weeks regarding the posters incident and vandalism on River Campus. However, the University’s obligations under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which provides protection of privacy rights of all of our students, prevents disclosure of information about any specific student conduct case that may relate to the incident. The results of all student conduct cases are confidential to the extent required by federal law and are handled consistent with published processes meeting the institution’s obligation of fundamental fairness while effectively addressing actions found to violate applicable policy and preserving a safe campus environment," a spokesperson announced.