UC Berkeley students have established a ‘Free Palestine’ encampment on the steps of Sproul Hall in solidarity with pro-Palestinian protesters arrested at other universities. The organizers have outlined three demands: an end to the university’s alleged silence on the ‘Palestinian genocide in Gaza,’ divestment from corporations involved in the Israel-Hamas conflict, and enhanced protection for Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim students.
According to Matt Kovac of UC Berkeley Divest, the movement is grounded in solidarity and anti-racism, not a campus culture war as often portrayed. Despite the university’s statement that it will take steps to ensure the protest does not disrupt operations, protesters indicate a steadfast commitment to their demands. The Bay Area’s Jewish Community Relations Council has acknowledged the protesters’ right to free speech and assembly, while condemning their alleged abhorrent words.
