Community activists and students made a bold statement on Saturday at Washington University by setting up a camp demanding an end to the war in Gaza and calling for the university to divest from Boeing Co., a major supplier of military equipment to Israel. The protesters were met with resistance from police, who instructed them to disperse, leading to a standoff on the campus.
The encampment was inspired by similar protests at other universities across the United States, with participants citing moral reasons for their actions. Retired St. Louis County resident Ed “Bongo” Herhold, 70, emphasized the importance of standing up for humanity in times of conflict.
Despite warnings from police, the protesters remained steadfast in their demands, which included cutting ties with Boeing, Israeli educational institutions, and releasing a statement condemning the ongoing genocide in Palestine. The activists also called for the university to drop charges and suspensions related to earlier campus protests.
The protest, which initially drew about 300 people, culminated in a tense standoff with police, with protesters chanting slogans and demanding a dialogue with university representatives. The demonstration highlighted the growing support for Palestinian rights and the need for universities to take a stand on global issues.