UH students, faculty stand in solidarity with other colleges demanding ceasefire in Gaza
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - University of Hawaii students and faculty are standing in solidarity with other college campuses and are demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
They also want the university to cut any ties it may have with Israeli corporations or companies that support the war.
As the death toll in Gaza continues to rise, two dozen people gathered at UH Manoa’s John Wise Field Friday afternoon to take a stand against the violence.
“This is a sacred space for us and everyone that is entering this space is expected to behave with the utmost integrity, and to not engage with any people that are trying to provoke or disrupt our event,” said Cynthia Franklin, Founder of UH’s Students and Faculty for Justice in Palestine.
It was a different scene at universities across the continent including New York University, Columbia and UCLA as police moved protestors off campuses.
“When it comes to a lot of the violence that’s occurring across the nation, you know, I think it’s, it’s concerning when we’re seeing freedom of expression, be crushed down, so hardly,” said Bronson Azama, President of UH Manoa’s undergraduate student government.
Organizers at UH said they don’t plan on starting an encampment at the moment.
Their focus is educating the community, calling for a free Palestine and an end to genocide.
“The ultimate like foundation for me is again, when did we lose our humanity, humanity?” said Azama. “And when did we start to disconnect ourselves from looking working towards peace.”
“Every community is different and right now, what we feel is best for us right now is to continue to educate and create art,” said Samantha Avila Gomez, member of Students and Faculty for Justice in Palestine.
Students and faculty are asking UH to end their strategic partnership with Israel.
Israel has supported UH with research conducted at the university including funding from the U.S. Israel Binational Science Foundation. And in 2022, former Gov. David Ige signed an agreement with Israel’s general consult that would elevate that partnership.
UH’s Board of Regents Chair Gabriel Lee released the following statement.
“The UH Board of Regents appreciates the passionate perspectives shared relating to the conflicts in Gaza and Israel as well as other matters. Board of Regents leadership will review the requests in consultation with the administration and regents. The board looks forward to guiding UH on a path that advances Hawaiʻi and our people in collaboration with the entire UH community.”
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