By an anonymous community member
This publication was not written by the Haqq faculty.
As a Palestinian student studying at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the events that unfolded on April 30th, 2024, left a profound impact on me. Amid the bustling last day of classes’ activities on campus, a wave of solidarity swept through, echoing the sentiments of my homeland thousands of miles away in Palestine.
The series of on-campus protests were sparked by Israel's ongoing assault on Gaza. They have been consistent in their message for liberation in Palestine and the demand for UNC to call for an immediate ceasefire, boycott and divestment from Israeli and Israel-supporting companies.
These protests have ranged from Sit-ins, Walk-outs, Vigils, Petitions and Marches. They all call for the end of UNC’s support for human rights violations and war crimes, as well as their careless lack of regard for their Palestinian student body, members of which have been deeply affected by the ongoing genocide.
UNC’s refusal to comply with these demands has resonated with all of us. It is shameful that the tuition we pay for our education directly contributes to the occupation and ethnic cleansing of our country and people.
UNC’s empty claims of regular and respectful communication and support were persistently evident over the past months when our demands were blatantly ignored. Now, after months of protest, a new form of demonstration has made our voices impossible to disregard. Standing in alliance with unjustly detained Columbia students and against institutional repression, I, with many others, showed my support for the “Triangle Solidarity Encampment” held at Polk Place.
Tents dotted the area, each serving as a symbol of our determination to amplify our voices in the face of adversity. Watching over a thousand of my peers, faculty, and staff gather to show their unwavering solidarity despite administration escalation, police presence, and targeted intimidation filled me with a sense of pride and empowerment.
On Tuesday morning, however, 36 demonstrators were detained for refusing to comply with the directive to vacate Polk Place. Of these, 30 were cited for trespassing and released on-site, while 6 were arrested and transported to the detention center by the Orange County Sheriff's Office. The encampment was then cleared, and the area barricaded by metal fences.
Despite the initial dispersal, our goal remained unshaken. Driven by our commitment to justice and solidarity, we returned to the site of the encampment on Tuesday afternoon, refusing to be silenced. With determination in our hearts, we gathered once more, standing in unity against oppression and injustice.
Later that day, a silent vigil was held outside Wilson Library. This was followed by a protest outside South Building and a march around Polk Place, which led to the dismantling of the barricades.
The barriers meant to deter us only served to fuel our determination, symbolizing the obstacles we face in our fight for freedom. As Palestinian students and allies, we stood unified, reclaiming the space that had become a symbol of our resistance.
Watching my fellow students stand in defiance, and demanding an end to the violence, although in violation of University policy, was no doubt a powerful assertion of solidarity with a people enduring unimaginable suffering. The Palestinian flag was also raised in solidarity, replacing the American flag.
This action stemmed directly from University leadership's neglect of the UNC chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine. It was further motivated by UNC's historical refusal to display the Palestinian flag at the Kenan-Flagler Business School and the Gillings School of Global Public Health, despite the presence of Palestinian students among both attendees and alums.
Raising the flag served as a symbolic gesture that spoke volumes, demonstrating the unwavering support of my peers for the Palestinian cause. Subsequently, I felt appalled to witness that instead of engaging respectfully with these students and considering our requests, our community faced a forceful and aggressive response from law enforcement under the leadership of Interim Chancellor Lee Roberts. The officers present resorted to excessive and violent physical tactics, including pushing, shoving, grabbing, pulling hair, and pepper spraying, all while their body cameras remained deactivated.
Since the events on Tuesday, a joint statement from Chapel Hill and Carrboro town council members and elected officials has been issued, condemning UNC's aggressive response to pro-Palestine demonstrators, advocating for free speech rights, and denouncing the use of police force. They criticized UNC's actions, urging adherence to the American Civil Liberties Union’s guidance to protect academic freedom and ensure fair treatment of protesters.
Additionally, the statement called for charges against arrested individuals to be dropped and emphasized the importance of restorative procedures rather than punitive measures. It's a reassuring sign that local leaders recognize the gravity of the situation and are advocating for the protection of our rights to free speech and peaceful protest. Together, we continue to raise our voices, demanding accountability from our university.
As a Palestinian student, these protests and the actions of my community have served as a reminder of the resilience and strength of our allies willing to stand up and speak out against oppression. Their courage and determination have inspired myself and countless others, reminding us that our voices matter and that together, we can bring about meaningful change.
These actions have shown that the fight for justice knows no boundaries, and together, we will continue to resist until Palestine is free and our voices are heard.
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