Startling group chat messages exposed by the Chicago Thinker reveal that on Wednesday, May 1, Students for Justice in Palestine at The University of Chicago (SJP University of Chicago) plans to emulate recent protests at Columbia University. It becomes the latest development in a wave of protests at colleges across the country, including Yale and New York University, as tensions around the Israel-Hamas war rise.
Demonstrations at Columbia began last Thursday with pro-Palestinian students and protesters pitching tents in key campus spots, resulting in about 100 arrests by the New York Police Department. Administrators at the university have since announced that it will transition to hybrid classes for the remainder of the semester. The decision comes amidst grave concerns expressed by Jewish students. In one video posted on X, a masked protestor appeared to shout “Go back to Poland!”
At University of Chicago, SJP protestors are aiming to take over the university’s Main Quad and camp out for an extended period. A Telegram group chat details their plans to occupy campus buildings and get arrested for trespassing in order to draw attention to their cause. The demonstrations will last “at least for… two nights.”
The texts also reveal that National Students for Justice in Palestine is playing a crucial role in organizing the protest. Members of the group are offering media support and are sharing experiences from their involvement in the events at Columbia.
SJP University of Chicago’s strategy takes further inspiration from similar events at California State Polytechnic University, where students barricaded themselves in a university building on Monday evening. Police have been unable to remove them and the occupation has forced administrators to temporarily close the university, meaning students are to enter school buildings for classes or work. Students occupying the building published advice for other protestors. Leaders in the SJP University of Chicago group chat summarized these points and are encouraging people to replicate them.
“1. Occupying buildings is more effective
2. Being in buildings gives us lots of materials (tables, unhinged doors, chairs) to use as barriers
3. We’d be a lot more defenseless and easy to scatter if we occupy the quad
4. Being inside frays the police across the building and its entrances
5. Could also be more comfortable for campers bc shelter, bathrooms, water, etc
6. Come prepared with goggles, gas masks, etc.”
According to a statement from University of Chicago published on December 21, 2023, in the wake of the Rosenwald Hall SJP sit-in, “University policies protect the right to protest while making it clear that demonstrations cannot jeopardize safety or disrupt the University’s operations and the ability of people in the University to carry out their work.”
Multi-day building occupations violate this policy and present a significant threat to all students on campus.
SJP University of Chicago has organized multiple “orientations” and “trainings” to equip members for the protest. Among themselves, they demand “DISCRETION” regarding members’ identities and plans.
At Columbia, billionaire donor, Robert Kraft rescinded funding after 6 days of occupancy. Officials at Harvard University have preemptively closed Harvard Yard in anticipation of protests.
University of Chicago leadership has yet to outline its strategy to protect students and staff.
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Author: Kenzi Bustamante
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