Macalester College students held a “die-in” on March 5 in an effort to protest the school’s ties with study abroad programs in Israel.
Students with the Mac for Palestine Coalition held the 48-hour “die-in” at Macalester College’s Center for Study Away, urging the school to cut ties with Israeli universities, according to Fight Back News.
The coalition said they intended to occupy the space until their demands received acknowledgment and action, according to The Mac Weekly.
According to the student newspaper, the protesters pretended to be dead while on the ground of the office. Protesters also held signs that called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, in addition to their demand for Macalister to end its relationship with both Hebrew University and the University of Haifa in Israel.
[RELATED: UC Berkeley announces criminal investigation after violent mob violently shuts down Jewish event: ‘Overtly antisemitic’]
Protesters held signs reading “History will judge you,” “No more Genocide,” and “Education not Occupation,” according to a video posted by the coalition.
Gabe, a member of Mac for Palestine told Mac Weekly the coalition’s primary concern regarding Macalester’s collaborations with Israeli universities, emphasizing Israel’s strategic intent to foster relationships with international students while inhibiting academic ties with Palestinians.
Despite no evidence of the University of Haifa and Hebrew University discouraging interactions with Palestinian scholars, Mac for Palestine argued that these universities’ involvement in Israeli military programs, particularly hosting the Israeli Defense Force’s “Havatzalot” program, was opposite to Macalester’s cause.
Support increased as the protest ensued, with approximately 50 individuals participating in the occupation of the CSA. Notably, many faculty members reportedly expressed solidarity with the protesters, engaging in discussions amidst the chants echoing through the building.
[RELATED: ‘Friends’ actor David Schwimmer sounds alarm on anti-Semitic posters at UC Santa Barbara: ‘ Happening on campuses all across the country’]
The prolonged occupation prompted an administrative response, with Vice President for Student Affairs Kathryn Kay Coquemont engaging with student representatives to address their concerns.
However, by late afternoon, Interim Director for the CSA Shanti Freitas announced the institution’s decision not to comply with the coalition’s demands, which was drowned out by protesters, who shouted “shame.”
Campus Reform has contacted Macalester College for comment. This article will be updated accordingly.