University of Massachusetts students set up pro-Palestine encampment on Amherst campus

AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) – Students protesting Israel’s war in Gaza have been growing on college campuses across the country, including now here in western Massachusetts.

A protest encampment was set up Monday morning on the Student Center South Lawn at UMass Amherst. Students from groups like ‘Students for Justice in Palestine’ started this encampment at UMass because there was a national call to speak out in direct response to the senseless violence being committed overseas.

The organization supports the Palestinian call for three basic rights:

• The right not to live under occupation in the West Bank and Gaza Strip
• The right to equality for Palestinian citizens of Israel
• The right for Palestinian refugees to return to their homeland

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 34,488, according to the Health Ministry. Students on Monday resided in tents similar to the tents that many Palestinian people have been forced to reside in during this conflict.

This encampment follows just days after a pro-Palestine protest was held during the inauguration of the 31st chancellor of UMass. The protestors echoed their demands during Monday’s demonstration, calling on Chancellor Javier Reyes to reduce disciplinary action against the 57 people who were arrested at another protest on campus in October and to reverse the university’s corporate partnership with defense manufacturer Raytheon.

One protester told 22News, “So there is a really direct pipeline from UMass students to war profiteers, we are working to pressure the university to get rid of them and find more sustainable options.”

“What I hope that people take away from this encampment is that we are serious and we are organized. We are not some idiot kids who are coming and doing this because this is the cool thing to do. We understand that there are real consequences and we are willing to face them because we demand an end to this slaughter. This is unconscionable and we feel the need to be here today in protection of that,” said Dave, a protester.

These students are also demanding better housing options, cops off campus, and a more democratized UMass. Students directly engaging in this encampment could face a myriad of consequences for their involvement ranging from a written warning all the way to expulsion. However, despite these consequences, students are going to stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine.

Organizers told 22News that they expect to keep the encampment up until a people’s assembly scheduled for Wednesday.

In a statement to 22News, Chancellor Reyes says the encampment is unauthorized and is in violation of several campus policies, adding, “…those present in it have been notified multiple times and have been asked to dismantle the encampment. Those who continue to not comply will be trespassing.”

Reyes also stated that activities that violate university policy or the rights of others on campus to participate in the regular business of the university are not protected speech.

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Melissa Torres is a reporter who has been a part of the 22News team since 2021. Follow Melissa on X @melissatorrestv and view her bio to see more of her work.

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