Graduates from the University of Minnesota’s College of Liberal Arts made a significant statement of solidarity with Palestine at their graduation ceremony on May 12. The students brought pro-Palestine banners, flags, and scarves to the event, showcasing their support for the cause.
This demonstration of solidarity follows a series of pro-Palestine student protests that have been taking place across the country and around the world. Earlier in May, an encampment set up by pro-Palestinian student protesters at the University of Minnesota stood for a second-straight day in defiance of police calls to disperse.
The student-led protest group met with the University’s interim president, Jeff Ettinger, to present their demands, which include divestment from companies like Honeywell and General Dynamics, academic divestment from Israeli universities, transparency about university investments, statements in support of Palestinian students and their right to self-determination, and amnesty for arrested students.
“We have been very clear about the intent of this encampment. It is to pressure the university administration to acquiesce to our demands, and we will remain in this encampment until either our demands are met or we are removed by force.”