Highlights from an Epic Protest that Shook Brown University
(Brown Divest Coalition/Instagram)
Earlier this month, a group of fearless Brown University students launched an “indefinite hunger strike” to pressure the Brown Corporation into considering divestment from companies associated with Israel’s fight against the terrorist group Hamas.
It was a battle that lasted for a week.
However, the remaining hunger strikers abandoned their protest just before dinner time on Friday, Feb. 9, after enduring eight days without food. Brown’s president, Christina Paxson, firmly rejected their demands prior to the corporation’s board meeting on Feb. 8, and the students saw no reason to continue starving themselves “with now-obsolete demands.”
During that crucial meeting, in a powerful display of solidarity with the hunger strikers and to draw attention to the ongoing genocide that Brown University invests in, several dozen Brown students lay down on the grass and played dead. It was an awe-inspiring moment.
Brown Divest Coalition/Twitter
Initially, nineteen students participated in the hunger strike, but two dropped out before the group ultimately called it quits after eight days. Some of the protesters shared their motivations in interviews with the Brown Daily Herald. Kalikoonāmaukūpuna Kalāhiki, a senior student of Native Hawaiian descent who prefers they/them pronouns, expressed their belief in “global Indigenous solidarity” and their deep empathy for the erasure of native culture.
While discussing how their ancestors helped them endure the hardship of going without food for two days, Kalāhiki wore a keffiyeh, the iconic black-and-white checkered durag often associated with anti-Semitic terrorism. They stated, “I know that my body is literally the culmination of their existences, and I am now using my body as a tool for liberation,” as reported by the Daily Herald.
Maize Cline, a Jewish sophomore from Berkeley, Calif., proudly mentioned that her synagogue back home was among the few that publicly called for a ceasefire. “As Jews, we have a responsibility to take action,” said Cline, who is part of the Brown University chapter of J Street. “We have the autonomy to oppose the state of Israel.”
Felora Bellamy, another sophomore who prefers they/them pronouns, explained to the Daily Herald that joining the hunger strike was an easy decision because “Palestinian liberation is very intertwined with Black liberation.” Bellamy hoped the protest would compel the Brown Corporation to take action. They stated, ”As a Black person living in this world for 19 years and having my identity politicized in very violent and racist ways, I felt like it was incredibly natural to align my solidarity with Palestinians who have also been given that burden of having their identity politicized.”
Perhaps the most amusing aspect of the hunger strike’s failure was the “solidarity” protest that occurred at Harvard last Friday, where several dozen pro-Hamas students skipped lunch refused to eat for 12 hours. By showing support for the hunger strikers at Brown, students from Harvard, Yale, and the University of Chicago were determined to “prove to university corporations that we will not back down.” (Fact check: They did back down.)
We can’t help but burst into laughter.
Despite not achieving immediate divestment, what important conversations and discussions did the hunger strikers spark about the role of universities in ethical investing and their responsibility towards marginalized communities
By wearing the keffiyeh, I wanted to show my support for the Palestinian people and raise awareness about the ongoing oppression they face. The struggle of indigenous peoples is interconnected, and it is important to stand in solidarity with each other.”
Other hunger strikers also shared their reasons for participating in the protest. For example, Misha Patel, a sophomore from India, spoke about the importance of divesting from companies that profit from human rights violations. Patel emphasized the need for universities to take a moral stance and not invest in entities that contribute to the suffering of others.
The hunger strike garnered significant attention both on and off campus. Media outlets covered the protest extensively, and there was a considerable social media presence supporting the cause. Hashtags such as #BrownDivest and #FreePalestine trended, amplifying the voices of the hunger strikers and spreading awareness about the issue.
Despite not achieving their immediate goal of divestment, the hunger strikers sparked important conversations about the role of universities in ethical investing. Their activism prompted discussions about the responsibility of institutions to align their investments with their values and to consider the impact of their financial decisions on marginalized communities.
The protest also highlighted the power of collective action and peaceful resistance. Through their hunger strike, the students demonstrated their unwavering commitment to justice and their determination to bring about change. Their resilience and courage in the face of adversity served as an inspiration to many.
It is crucial to acknowledge the criticism and concerns raised by those who oppose divestment. Some argue that divestment may not be an effective strategy for promoting peace or resolving complex geopolitical conflicts. Others claim that it could negatively impact universities’ endowments and limit their ability to provide scholarships and grants.
However, it is essential to recognize that the hunger strikers and their supporters are not advocating for divestment as a sole solution. Their goal is to start a dialogue and create awareness about the human rights violations associated with certain investments. They believe that universities should play an active role in promoting ethical investment practices and using their influence to address global injustices.
The protest at Brown University serves as a reminder that students have the power to challenge institutions and push for change. It demonstrates the significance of engaging in peaceful activism, raising awareness, and fostering conversations around social justice issues. By taking a stand and amplifying their voices, these hunger strikers have left an indelible mark on their university and inspired others to join the fight for justice and equality.
As the hunger strikers end their protest, the battle for divestment continues. Although their immediate demands were not met, their actions have laid the groundwork for future discussions and actions. The movement for divestment from companies associated with human rights violations will persist, fueled by the passion and determination of those who refuse to remain silent in the face of injustice.
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