Several student groups are holding demonstrations on the University’s main quad today, October 16, in response to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in and around the Gaza Strip.
Since October 7, more than 1,400 Israelis and 2,750 Palestinians have been killed.
Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) at UChicago began protesting this morning on the quad. In a post on Instagram, the group stated that it would “occupy the quad” every day, from 10 a.m.–3 p.m., “until the genocide ends.”
Later today at 5 p.m., the Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPI), Phi Gamma Delta (Fiji), and Psi Upsilon Omega fraternities as well as the Iron Key Society (formerly Delta Upsilon) plan to demonstrate on the quad in an event titled “UChicago Greek Life Coming Together to Condemn Terror.” AEPI, Fiji, and the Iron Key Society jointly posted a flyer for the event on Instagram featuring the logos of all four organizations.
Today’s events follow last Monday’s vigil organized by campus Jewish organizations, including UChicago Maroons for Israel, University of Chicago Hillel, UChicago Kehillah, and UChicago Chabad. There, attendees expressed their support for the victims in the aftermath of the October 7 attacks by militant Palestinian group Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip.
In a statement to The Maroon, the University reiterated its commitment to neutrality.
“We are deeply saddened by the attacks on Israel, the continuing loss of life in Gaza and the region, and the impact these events have had on members of the University of Chicago community. As part of our commitment to free expression, the University is committed to upholding the rights of protesters and invited speakers to express a wide range of views. At the same time, no individual faculty member, student, or student group speaks for the University on any subject,” the statement read.
The Maroon is covering all of today’s demonstrations. For further coverage of each event, see below.
Usha A / Oct 21, 2023 at 10:35 am
Speaking of protests on UChicago campus, I find it curious that there are pro-Israel and pro-Palestine student organizations and/or protests, but no anti-war/peace protests. Am I missing something?
Jon G '68 / Apr 27, 2024 at 11:49 am
As an alumnus who was on campus during most of the Vietnam protests, I suggest the current factions learn from history…. hold “teach ins”, dialog between all. How about a week of dialog in lieu of scheduled classes. And maybe everyone can learn with each other what you can do to help the present situation. And tone down the tone deaf slogans shouted at each other and through megaphone. It might feel good but if campus history teaches us anything it’s that these types of protests do little if anything to progress to a better future. UC students should lead not follow.
Gregory Caesar / Oct 16, 2023 at 5:11 pm
Kudos to the administration for upholding the Chicago Principles, one of the few administrations in academia doing so on this issue. I’m pleased that it isn’t beholden to its donors in the same way that, say, UPenn is.
It’s disturbing how eager some are to repress views they disagree with. Mind you, many of those doing so are so-called “free speech absolutists.” The same people whining about cancel culture are themselves advocating it. Ha!
I digress. As with most issues, this is nuanced. Trite, yes. But it is a truism that people happily disregard when it undermines their worldview.