On Wednesday, May 1, the Fordham Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) organized a Gaza Solidarity Encampment in the Lowenstein Lobby at Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus to urge Fordham to divest from Israel.
In a recent Instagram post, SJP urged Fordham’s administration to disclose their investments relating to Israel, including the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Last spring, Fordham established a partnership with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem to create a new study abroad program. The Instagram post also implores students, friends and professors to join the encampment.
At 9:52 a.m., Fordham Public Safety issued a RamSafe Alert to the community via text, linking to a Public Safety alert posted on Fordham Now. The alert said there are no disruptions to classes or operations. For the safety of the community, the Lowenstein Center entrance has been closed and students, faculty and staff should enter campus from 62nd Street.
At 5:00 p.m. Fordham University students are continuing to protest at the Lincoln Center campus on 60th Street and Columbus Avenue. The Fordham Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) solidarity encampment remains in the Lowenstein Center lobby. Fordham administration has handed out letters of suspension to students. The suspension letters direct students to follow the direction of university personnel and leave Fordham’s property.
At 6:00 p.m. the New York Police Department (NYPD) and Fordham Public Safety officers are present at the scene and NYPD personnel have entered Lowenstein. Arrests are set to begin shortly.
As of 6:30 p.m. 15 protestors in the solidarity encampment have been suspended and arrested. The encampment has been cleared
This is an updating story. Please check back for further updates.
Lawrence Downing • May 1, 2024 at 5:17 pm
All students and staff who destroy college or public property should be expelled and/or fired. Justifying actions as “free speach” is beyond realism. Hopefully, the cost of actions condoned and encouraged by the institution will come from the institution’s coffers. Very disappointed in the methodologies of what has become an “elitest” college.
Christopher J. Walsh • May 1, 2024 at 3:06 pm
M.S. 2016
It is clear that many need an education on the First Amendment to inform their protests. There is a time, place, and method. Intimidation is not an acceptable method. Blocking legitimate access to scholastic resources is, well, illegitimate.
I feel confident that the Jesuit tradition will be followed and chaos will be avoided.
Claire Bronster • May 1, 2024 at 1:02 pm
Extremely disappointed to hear this.