Binghamton University Peace Quad tent encampment disbands
The Binghamton Liberated Zone, a tent encampment set up by the Divest From Death Coalition, has been disbanded as of Friday afternoon.
According to a message from Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger, demonstrators ended their encampment at the conclusion of the school's set exemption period.
The Binghamton encampment comes as part of a recent series of protests, demonstrations and occupations at universities across the United States. Hundreds were arrested at Columbia University and City College in New York City earlier this week, and police broke up encampment protests at SUNY Purchase and SUNY New Paltz late Thursday and arrested dozens more.
At the University of Rochester on Tuesday, more than a dozen students gathered at an encampment protesting Israel's invasion of Gaza and calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. An encampment was also set up on Syracuse University's campus.
What is the Binghamton Liberated Zone?
On the last day of classes at Binghamton University Thursday morning, signs with drawn messages including "Let Gaza Live," and "Jews 4 Palestine," dotted a tent encampment on the campus' Peace Quad. Another sign, held by a student sitting on a rock several yards away, on the outskirts of the lawn, read, "Never forget the Oct. 7 massacre."
Binghamton's Divest From Death Coalition, according to its organizers, is a coalition of about 27 campus organizers and groups.
In an Instagram post published late Wednesday, the group asked Binghamton University administration to disclose the school's financial investments, establish a Palestinian Studies Department and end any connections with defense companies including Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems.
According to organizers the goal of the encampment is to bring the University to the table and have their demands heard.
According to Stenger's statement, the university values freedom of expression, and will condemn any forms of hatred and bigotry.
"I sincerely appreciate the manner in which members of the campus community have expressed themselves while respecting the beliefs and the rights of others," said Stenger. "I look forward to meeting with these student groups, offering support and listening to concerns. I thank everyone for your hard work and dedication throughout this academic year. You make Binghamton an incredible place to live, work and study every day."
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Binghamton University students disband encampment Friday afternoon
