Voices of Dissent: University of Minnesota Marks One Year Since Hamas Attack

On a poignant midday Monday, approximately 100 protesters gathered at the University of Minnesota, uniting to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the tragic Hamas attack against Israel on October 7, 2023. This devastating incident resulted in an estimated 1,200 deaths and over 200 hostages taken, a somber backdrop that fueled the passion of those in attendance.

The Protest: A Call for Liberation

Chants echoed outside Coffman Union, with demonstrators rallying around slogans like “Up up with liberation, down down with occupation.” As a symbolic gesture, participants laid small, colored flags on the lawn, arranged to mimic the Palestinian flag. This act of remembrance was accompanied by a gathering later in front of the Minnesota Hillel house.

• Over 41,000 Palestinians have reportedly lost their lives in the ongoing conflict in Gaza since the attack.
• Hundreds of thousands more have been displaced, marking a humanitarian crisis of significant proportions.

The Role of Safety Marshals

To ensure the safety of the demonstrators, around 10 “safety marshals” donned neon vests as they monitored the event. These individuals acted as liaisons with the University of Minnesota Police Department (UMPD) and university officials, emphasizing the need for order amid passionate expressions of dissent.

Student Voices and University Response

A vice president from Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), who chose to remain anonymous for safety reasons, articulated the growing frustration among many regarding the U.S. government’s and university administration’s responses to Israel’s actions. “People are fed up,” he declared. “They’re rightfully angry at organizations perceived as complicit in genocide.”

Defiance Against Guidelines

The protest, which featured flags, posters, and a speaker system, drew attention for violating the university’s protest guidelines. The SJP vice president indicated that their group intends to continue disregarding these restrictions, believing them to be unconstitutional and an infringement on free speech.

Warnings and Administration Engagement

Staff from student affairs were present, delivering two verbal warnings to protesters by 1:30 p.m., illustrating the tense atmosphere at the event. Each flag planted on the lawn bore the name of an individual killed in the conflict, a powerful visual representation of loss. “We have 10,000 flags representing 10,000 martyrs,” said Fae Hodges, a third-year SDS member.

University Policies Under Scrutiny

Recent discussions revealed that the university plans to sponsor three Gazan students for the spring semester of 2025, a move seen as insufficient by the UMN Divest Coalition, which initially sought to support 14 students. Criticism has mounted regarding the university’s policies, particularly those allowing Israeli students serving in the military to receive tuition refunds.

“The university is choosing a side,” said a spokesperson for SJP, highlighting the contentious nature of these decisions. They expressed hope that the administration would expand its support for Gazan students in light of the ongoing crisis.

Counter-Protests and Diverse Opinions

As the protest unfolded, pro-Israel counter-protesters also made their presence known, wielding flags and asserting their perspectives. Among the crowd was Maddie Fontaine, a third-year student who expressed uncertainty about the effectiveness of Israel’s military response, stating, “I don’t believe it is committing genocide.” She emphasized the importance of nuanced understanding, remarking that many protesters may only be presenting one side of the story.

Another student, Kianna Young, participated in the protest to lend her voice to the Palestinian cause. “I have the privilege to stand up and use my voice,” she stated, reflecting the collective sentiment among many students advocating for change.

Looking Ahead

As the university community continues to grapple with complex issues surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, students like Young and Yoder believe that sustained activism is crucial for change. “With time, persistence, and energy, a lot can happen,” Yoder concluded, emphasizing the power of student voices in shaping future discussions.

What do you think?

• Is the protest at the University of Minnesota a reflection of broader societal sentiments regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
• Do you believe universities should take a stance on international conflicts, or remain neutral?
• How can students balance