Protests against Israel’s military actions in Gaza continued Friday on the University at Buffalo campus, with student organizers holding a rally in the afternoon and pledging to persist in their demands that UB divest of any investments that helped fund Israeli attacks on Palestinian civilians.
Media on the UB campus estimated that more than 400 people gathered to attend the rally, which UB Students for Justice in Palestine advertised as “an outdoor, peaceful and lawful march followed by a few speeches.”
“This is intended to be a safe demonstration for students, faculty and community members,” the group posted on its Instagram.
UB, which closed its main North Campus administration building, Capen Hall, as a “precaution” before the rally, said it had been in contact with student organizers and “outside groups” who planned to protest and took precautions to protect public safety. A protest organized by the same groups on Wednesday resulted in arrests of 15 people and interactions that students and police described as harsh on both sides.
In a statement issued Friday, UB said the university “is aware of the protest planned today by the UB chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine and outside groups on UB’s North Campus.
“UB officials have proactively reached out to UB student protest leaders to reiterate that the university recognizes and respects students’ right to protest,” the statement said. “However, officials made clear that the university’s rules and policies must be adhered to at all times regarding on-campus demonstrations, and the prohibition against occupation of buildings, overnight assemblies and encampments. Protests must not disrupt university operations or activities including classes, events, meetings and lectures.”
In another statement later Friday, UB said the protest was peaceful “with no students or other people being arrested” and that “most classes, events, meetings and lectures on Friday afternoon…
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