Protesters gather at Washburn University over Israel-Palestine conflict

Colter Robinson
·2 min read

TOPEKA (KSNT) – Protestors are gathering around a fountain at Washburn University to protest the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.

Pro-Palestine protestors gathered with signs at 17th Street and Washburn Avenue saying “Palestine will never walk alone”, “Israel is a terrorist state” and “permanent ceasefire now”.

Washburn University issued the following statement:

Washburn University is committed to the academic and personal growth of our students in a premier campus learning environment that includes the right to free expression and peaceful protest. Opportunities for open, respectful dialogue play an important role in the college experience and beyond, and we support the right to free expression. The exercise of the right to free speech and free assembly is not permitted to interfere with or disrupt normal University operations or educational activities. Participants are expected to follow established Washburn University policies, specifically written for these activities, to best ensure safety for all who are involved.

Lori Hutchinson, Executive Director of Strategic Communications & Marketing, Washburn University

In recent weeks, multiple protests have been ongoing across the U.S. in major cities like Washington D.C. and New York City. Police have been called on to break up the protests, such as the one at Columbia University, while students and other Pro-Palestinian activists are calling on officials to respect their right to to protest.

Pro-Palestinian protestors became active around the world in the days following the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas which included a rocket barrage, attacks on civilians and the taking of hostages, according to a report from The Associated Press. Israel’s retaliation strikes against Gaza and the terrorist organization Hamas have resulted in the deaths of 34,000 Palestinians.

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