Statement: OSA Supports Student’s Right to Protest Amid Nationwide Student Protests in Support of Gaza
Date: May 2nd, 2024
Over the last week, students at Portland State University and the University of Oregon have joined in nationwide Pro-Palestine student protests calling for higher education institutions across the country to divest and end all relationships with entities with ties to Israel and the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Largely, student protests have taken the form of non-violent demonstration – with students at the University of Oregon establishing a 100+ tent encampment on campus and students at Portland State University occupying Millar Library.
The Oregon Student Association stands in solidarity with students exercising their constitutional rights to protest and the freedom of speech. We applaud students for standing up to injustice, and recognize this moment as another chapter in the rich history of students leading the charge for social and political change.
The Oregon Student Association unequivocally condemns the use of excessive force, mass arrests, or other forms of violence and intimidation that seeks to suppress peaceful student demonstration. We call on university presidents, law enforcement officials, and elected officials across the country to uphold their obligations to protect the rights of all individuals to engage in peaceful protest.
The Oregon Student Association stands ready to assist and support students in getting connected to legal resources and information on their rights to protest. We are actively reaching out to lawyers who specialize in civil rights or protest-related cases, and are investigating what bail funds or legal representation may exist for students who have been arrested and prosecuted. We encourage students who are engaging in campus protest to assess risk levels and to be prepared for possible disciplinary action or arrest.
As the situation continues to develop, we will continue to affirm the rights of student protestors and the necessity of a campus environment that cherishes free speech and academic freedom. Student safety is of the utmost importance to us, so we look forward to continuing to monitor the situation and identifying how our organization can best support students during this time.
