Binghamton University students join other Israel-Hamas war protests around the state

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."

The Binghamton encampment comes as part of a recent series of protests, demonstrations and occupations at universities across the United States, highlighted by one at Columbia University that is now in its second week. Cornell students began a protest on the Ithaca campus over the weekend, students at Vassar College launched an encampment on campus Tuesday and SUNY New Paltz students followed suit Wednesday afternoon.

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.

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, dubbed the Liberated Zone, is to bring the University to the table and have their demands heard.

Activities planned for Thursday, which marked the last day of classes for the spring semester, included community studying, meals and activities such as jewelry making and kite flying.

According to an email statement from Binghamton University Director of Media and Public Relations Ryan Yarosh, the school is communicating with the students and focused on safety.

"We are dealing with students who have set up an encampment against policy on our Peace Quad," said Yarosh. "We are in communication with the demonstrators. Our priority is to maintain a safe campus and we are committed to providing a secure environment for all."

This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Binghamton University students join protests of Israel-Hamas war