PORTLAND, OR – In a demonstration marking the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, Oregon college students have reignited calls for their universities to boycott, divest from, and sanction Israel. The protest, held on Monday at Portland State University (PSU), was part of a broader movement across the state, responding to the ongoing war in Gaza that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.
Approximately 1,200 Israelis were killed, and 250 taken hostage on October 7, 2023, prompting a significant escalation in violence that has led to an estimated 41,000 Palestinian deaths due to Israeli bombardments since then. In light of these tragic events, students gathered at the steps of PSU’s Richard Maurine Neuberger Center to express their solidarity with the people of Gaza, brandishing signs reading “disclose and divest” and chanting, “Gaza’s struggle is our fight – students of the world unite.”
The demonstration showcased a renewed list of seven demands directed at university leaders, echoing calls made during last spring’s protests. Among the demands were requests for PSU to sever ties with companies that engage in business with Israel and for Portland State President Ann Cudd to resign. President Cudd has previously committed to reviewing the university’s financial investments and partnerships, but students are now calling for further action.
In addition to past demands, new requests emerged from the demonstrators, including the immediate dropping of all charges and penalties against students involved in last year’s protests. A participant in the protest, who chose to remain anonymous due to fears of retaliation, expressed concerns over the chilling effect on free speech on campus this academic year.
The PSU spokesperson confirmed that the university currently has 32 disciplinary cases stemming from last year’s protests, with more than half already resolved. One student has been expelled, four suspended, and seven placed on probation in connection with the protests, while five open cases involve former students.
Despite the smaller crowd on Monday, a PSU student organizer indicated that further rallies are planned for the school year, emphasizing that the movement for justice and solidarity with Gaza remains strong among students.
