Encampment expands on day 5 of protest at Case Western

Darcie Loreno
·2 min read
14

CLEVELAND (WJW) — Tensions are building on the campus of Case Western Reserve University, where an anti-war protest continues.

Students and other pro-Palestine demonstrators have been protesting the conflict in Israel on the Kelvin Smith Library oval since Monday.

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The school announced Thursday night that demonstrators are no longer welcome and are considered trespassers. Protesters expanded the encampment overnight and Friday was blocking off anyone who used the quad to get to classes.

The school posted no trespassing signs Thursday night.

The university said it has no intention to forcefully remove the protesters. So as of Friday afternoon, the encampment continued on school grounds.

“The university has no plans to intervene at the encampment at this time as long as it remains peaceful,” reads a statement from a university spokesperson.

Recently, organizers of the pro-Palestinian anti-war movement released a list of demands. Among those demands, were to divulge and divest from any investment in Israel.

One of the main organizers has said for days they have no plans to leave until their demands are met. After the university’s decision that protesters aren’t welcome, he said they’ll stick to the same plan.

“We will stay here and protest until our demands are met,” said Jad Kamhawi Oglesby, a senior at Case. “We will stay here until we feel the students have been treated with respect by Case Western University.”

The Palestine Task Force CLE released a statement saying the encampment will hold Jummah prayer Friday afternoon and an interfaith Liberation Shabbat Friday evening.

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The statement went on to say:

“While the students are working to move their tuition dollars out of war, they are also building a movement that reflects the world they want to see, one where there are no divisions based on religion and race, no institutional barriers for care and wellness, and where all are welcome.

The movement the students have started stands in direct contrast to the way the university has treated students. The university has put politics and profit over students, specifically Palestinian students and those who have spoken up in support of Palestine.”

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