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Ali Al-Rumaih, The-14
May 6, 2024
UC Riverside made history on Friday May 3, 2024 as it became the inaugural University of California campus to strike a deal with pro-Palestine student protesters, effectively resolving their encampment and addressing their key demands.
Since the University of California system has generally opposed calls for boycotting and divesting from Israel, this agreement marks a significant departure from the norm. The administration at UC Riverside negotiated with student leaders to bring an end to their sit-in, which commenced on April 29th. The students’ primary demands included transparency regarding the university’s investments and funding related to Israel, as well as divestment from entities complicit in the Israeli occupation, apartheid, and oppression of Palestinians.
In the accord reached with student leaders, UC Riverside pledged to enhance transparency regarding its investments and consider removing its endowment from the broader University of California system’s investment office. Furthermore, the university committed to reinvesting the endowment in a manner that aligns with financial and ethical considerations, particularly regarding companies involved in arms manufacturing and delivery. Notably, UC Riverside’s business school has terminated its study abroad programs to Israel.
Chancellor Kim Wilcox acknowledged the agreement in a statement to faculty and staff, emphasizing the importance of constructive and peaceful dialogue on complex issues. Please click here to view the full agreement.
The UCR chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine expressed cautious optimism, recognizing the agreement as a step forward in the pursuit of a liberated Palestine. They underscored the ongoing struggle faced by Palestinians and the necessity of further action.
While numerous colleges nationwide, including ten UC campuses, have witnessed protests condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza and advocating for divestment, UC Riverside stands out as the first UC school to reach a peaceful resolution with student protesters, mirroring similar outcomes at several other institutions across the country.
While UC Riverside achieved a peaceful resolution, tensions elsewhere have surged, resulting in arrests and police crackdowns. Just last week, over 200 UCLA students, faculty, and staff were detained when police dismantled a Palestinian solidarity encampment on campus that was destroyed by police. Similar incidents have occurred at pro-Palestine protests nationwide, contributing to over 2,100 arrests across college campuses, as reported by the Associated Press. These events underscore the seriousness of the issue and the fervent advocacy for Palestinian rights.
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