Best of 2024: The Student Journalists Covering Pro-Palestine Protests on College Campuses
Dec 23, 2024
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Kami Dominguez, a staff reporter at Golden Gate Express, and Olivia Keeler, editor-in-chief of the Sonoma State Star, share their experiences covering pro-Palestine protests on college campuses. They discuss a peaceful encampment at San Francisco State University filled with speeches and community support. The growing tensions around these protests are examined, highlighting minimal counter-protests and students' worries about administration responses. Their stories illuminate the vital role of student journalism in advocating for social issues during turbulent times.
Student activists have fostered a supportive community through organized encampments, featuring activities like poetry readings and teach-ins for the Palestinian cause.
University administrations exhibit varied responses to protests, balancing support for student expression with concerns over operational disruptions and policy changes.
Deep dives
Student Activism and Community Building
Student activists have established encampments on university campuses to protest issues related to the Palestinian struggle, fostering a sense of community among participants. At San Francisco State University, the encampment saw students collectively organize daily activities, including poetry readings and teach-ins, providing essential support such as sleeping arrangements and basic amenities. Despite being primarily a commuter school, students offered their residences to facilitate participation from those unable to stay overnight. The atmosphere within the encampment has been characterized by camaraderie, with attendees helping each other set up tents and ensuring that everyone feels included.
Responses from University Officials
University administrations across the involved campuses have taken varied stances regarding the ongoing encampments and protests. San Francisco State's administration emphasized its commitment to freedom of expression, stating their intention to allow peaceful protests to continue. Meanwhile, UC Berkeley acknowledged the encampment's presence but clarified their reluctance to change certain policies unless the protests disrupt university operations. Sonoma State's administration has largely remained neutral, allowing students to exercise their First Amendment rights without significant intervention, although there has been a lack of acknowledgment of specific demands from protesters.
Community Support and Tensions
Community engagement has played a significant role in supporting the student-led encampments, with locals donating supplies and food to the protesters. Encampments, particularly at Sonoma State, have flourished with generous contributions from local residents, creating a vibrant environment for discussions and group activities. However, underlying tensions persist, particularly concerning the differing opinions within the broader community about the protests. Instances of social media disagreements and subtle academic pressures underscore the delicate balance students must navigate in advocating for their cause while maintaining peaceful discourse.
This holiday season, The Bay team is sharing their favorite episodes of 2024. Ericka’s pick highlights the work of student journalists covering pro-Palestine protests on college campuses across the Bay earlier this Spring.