Protests Erupt at Stanford University: Pro-Palestinian Students Occupy President's Office
Stanford, CA - In a bold move to demand change and bring attention to the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel, a group of pro-Palestinian students occupied Building 10, the president's office at Stanford University on June 5, 2024. The students barricaded themselves inside while around fifty others surrounded it with linked arms.
The group issued three demands to the University: add the divestment bill submitted by Stanford Against Apartheid in Palestine (SAAP) to the next Board of Trustees meeting, disclose finances from the previous fiscal year including endowment investments, and drop all disciplinary and criminal charges against pro-Palestinian students at Stanford.
Building 10 was renamed 'Dr. Adnan Office' in honor of Palestinian General Surgeon Adnan al-Bursh who was murdered. The building has a significant history as it houses the offices of the president and provost, making this occupation a powerful statement against Israel's ongoing military campaign.
The protesters barricaded doors with bike locks, chains, ladders and chairs and covered security cameras with tin foil. Approximately ten students were barricaded inside while around fifty others surrounded the building.
Stanford University spokesperson Dee Mostofi confirmed that law enforcement had arrested thirteen individuals in connection to the occupation. There were reports of extensive damage both inside and outside the building, and a public safety officer was injured during the clearance operation.
The protesters described themselves as an autonomous group of Stanford students unaffiliated with any Voluntary Student Organization (VSO). They demanded that Stanford Administration and the Board of Trustees meet their demands to address their role in enabling and profiting from the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
This occupation follows a 120-day Sit-in to Stop Genocide removed in February and an encampment established in White Plaza in April. The group disavowed acts of vandalism carried out by some protesters, which include spray-painted messages and what appears to be fake blood spilled on the desk of the president.
The intentions of this movement are not to create unnecessary labor for service workers, and they refuse to have their uprising hijacked by unknown agitators. The group entered and barricaded themselves in Saller's office at about 6 a.m. local time, accusing Stanford of being unwilling to engage with protestors and their demands.
The university urged people to stay away from the Main Quad and said no other campus operations were affected.
This is not the first instance of campus protests demanding divestment from Israel in response to its military campaign against Hamas in Gaza. Columbia University agreed to take additional steps to make students feel secure on campus under a settlement reached with a Jewish student Tuesday.
The Associated Press has recorded at least 86 incidents since April 18 where arrests were made at campus protests across the U.S., and more than 3,130 people have been arrested on the campuses of 65 colleges and universities. The figures are based on AP reporting and statements from universities and law enforcement agencies.
