by Barley Lewis-McCabe and Nico Patakidis
Under close observation by the university’s free speech response team, no move went unnoticed. Protestors wore Keffiyahs and held Palestinian flags, as well as signs calling for an end to the genocide on the art quad stairs. Deans and administrators stood on the borders of the quad, leaning against any exit, seemingly waiting for something to happen.
Rick Toledo, a member of Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), delivered a booming sermon from his megaphone.
“I am here because I believe in humanity and that people should not die,” Toledo said.
The vigil and subsequent march was originally planned to be in the lower quad, but due to the request not being filled out two weeks prior to the event, it had to be moved to the art quad to comply with Time, Place, Manner regulations.
Madden Tavernise from SDS addressed the crowd over a megaphone. They spoke about the changes they wish to see from the university and California State University system, as well as conversations that SDS has had with admin.
“At this point, we want to publicly declare our demands for change in this university,” Tavernise said. “We want to see divestment from companies tied to Israel.”
Tavernise elaborated by stating that 3.77 percent of the university’s foundation money, money that is donated by alumni, is held by a mutual fund that is owned by Vanguard. Vanguard is a company that is the number two investor in Elbit Systems, an Israeli weapons company.
Toledo shouted for the protestors to get into marching formation. They packed up their banners and made their way through campus, walking past Harry Griffith Hall and College Creek. Assisted by a Parking Services vehicle following behind the crowd, they took to the street and marched up L K Wood Blvd.
The protestors sweltered across sun-baked pavement, before stopping next to the parking lot that used to sit below Campus Apartments. They sang their chants to a chorus of honks from supporting community members. Administration followed close behind and observed the crowd. Eventually, they made their way back to campus and ended in front of The Depot.
Student Jaret W., who requested his last name be anonymous, spoke on his past experiences with protests as a student that lived on campus. Jaret said that actions like this could build more momentum for activism on campus.
“The last marches I’ve seen that walked that path looked much more shrunken, much lighter, not as many people, their energy is less,” Jaret said. “This one seems very different. I was surprised to see the kind of crowd that showed up for it. I was here for the occupation, I remember when it kinda tumbled together. Look at the people that showed up, look at all the passion and the revolutionary sentiment. People are 2 years in, still sick of this shit.”
Barley is the photo editor and an untraditional reporter who focuses on social change and stories with a real human impact. If you’d like to reach him for whatever reason email bl258@humboldt.edu.
Nico is a sophomore journalism major with an interest in covering local government and political affairs. In his free time he enjoys hanging out and can be reached at np211@humboldt.edu.
One Comment
The piece about the protest didn’t mention when the protest occurred. A basic part of journalism is to record the date that the event that you are writing about happened.