Hamline University Students for Justice (SFJ) members held a demonstration in front of Old Main on Nov. 14 in protest of the ongoing genocide against Palestinians. Students cycled through chants condemning the genocide, Hamline and the U.S.’ involvement in it and the incoming Trump administration, calling for divestment.
Despite the November cold, the protestors’ passion did not waver. Chants went on for over an hour, paired with a student on a bucket drum. Voices and music echoed across campus as the group shouted things such as “The people united will never be defeated,” “From the river to the sea, Palestine shall be free” and “Not another penny, not another dollar, no more money for Israel’s slaughter.”
Chants charged American politicians with being “complicit” with genocide, including Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Donald Trump and Tim Walz. The group also advocated that money should not be spent on overseas war but should go towards jobs, education and healthcare here in the states.
“Stop the wars, ground the drones, we need that money here at home.”
Protests grew louder as more students walked through campus, demanding attention from everyone who walked by. Occasionally students would walk by and show their support by taking a pamphlet, nodding with the drumbeat or giving the protestors a thumbs up in support.
Junior Maryam Wardhere said she wanted to get out and protest after the election, instead of staying in her room being sad.
“I just want my voice to be heard,” Wardhere said.
Despite recent political setbacks, SFJ will only continue their fight, made evident by one of their memorable chants.
“When our rights are under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back!” demonstrators said.
Throughout the protest, several faculty members stopped to observe the group. Professor of English Halee Kirkwood explained that from a writer’s perspective, they aim to “help people’s voices to be heard.”
“It’s important for universities to support student voices,” Kirkwood said. From a writer’s perspective, they aim to “help people’s voices to be heard.” Kirkwood said.
This demonstration follows a series of protests led by SFJ beginning last April, where students occupied Old Main and set up an encampment on the lawn. They demanded that Hamline disclose its investments, cut ties with any Israeli affiliated investments and release a statement from interim President Kathleen Murray condemning Israel’s actions and publicly supporting Palestine. SFJ representatives met with President Murray, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Patti Kersten and the Board of Trustees chair Ellen Watters.
However, the students’ demands were not met and the encampment ended after 20 days. This decision came after Murray released a statement saying Hamline would no longer engage with or negotiate with the students participating in the encampment. Despite promises of amnesty from the university, at least ten students received code of conduct violations for their involvement.
SFJ continued that fight this week, spreading a large ‘Free Palestine’ banner across the steps of Old Main. Members carried signs that read Divest, Proud Child of Immigrants and Fight Fascism. The echoes of SFJ could be heard across campus, chanting, “Disclose. Divest. We will not stop, we will not rest.”
