PSU student devastated by protest damage inside library

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — As the extent of the damage to the Portland State University’s Millar library comes into clearer view, architecture student T Priest is devastated at the loss of PSU’s library.

“This is going to cost thousands and thousands of dollars to replace things in there,” she said. “I’m very, very lucky to be able to get my education here and these resources are going to be dearly missed by people.”

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Images show broken computers, decimated furniture and the fire alarm system being completely destroyed — and all of this is mounted by rumors of missing literature and archives.

“We don’t have these resources anymore and it’s a huge hit to us because I don’t have access to the things in this building,” noted Priest. “It’s not up to code anymore so it’s going to be shut down for months. I don’t know when I’m going to get these back. I pay for this.”

While she supports the calls around the country for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, Priest also emphasized how the destruction of the library is not an ideal tactic when students in need require its services.

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“I do not support our resources being taken away, especially ones that are directed towards vulnerable groups of students, disabled students, low-income,” she added. “I don’t understand why vulnerable groups are getting caught in the crosshairs here.”

What was once a quiet, safe space for people to study and learn now screams of conflict and chaos, as a mix of graffiti about war and anti-cop rhetoric covers every floor.

Amid all this, Priest couldn’t stress enough that caring about people near and far shouldn’t be mutually exclusive.

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