As protests pop up at colleges and universities across the nation, community members at Christopher Newport University are some of the latest demonstrators to support the Palestinian people and push leaders toward a ceasefire in Gaza and Israel.
Community members began organizing at the university’s Great Lawn at 7 p.m. Tuesday as sprinklers watered the grass. The crowd started small, but more joined over the course of the evening, donning traditional Palestinian scarves, and carrying Palestinian flags. Others had signs, reading “Hands off Gaza,” and “Free Palestine.”
“From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” the group, which grew to about 40-50 people, chanted. A former CNU student who was speaking on behalf of the group declined to give their name. By policy, The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press do not quote sources without identification.
CNU’s Chief Communications Officer Jim Hanchett said the campus is fairly empty because this is the last few days of finals week. During the protest, several students were getting graduation photos taken, and a small crowd of unaffiliated students watched from the outskirts.
By 7:30 p.m., demonstrators moved to Warwick Boulevard after officials told them they would be arrested if they remained on the lawn. Hanchett said the university was following its policy regarding using the lawn. According to the policy, “expressive activity,” such as protests, require advanced scheduling.
Israel launched its operations in the Gaza Strip shortly after the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas, in which hundreds of Israelis were killed. According to reporting from The Associated Press, Israel says the militants are still holding roughly 100 hostages and the remains of more than 30 others, and Israel’s operations in Gaza have killed more than 34,000 Palestinians since the beginning of the conflict.
Israel and its allies have rejected the idea that operations in Gaza amount to genocide.
CNU’s demonstration comes just one day after police arrested and pepper-sprayed attendees at another pro-ceasefire sit-in and encampment at Virginia Commonwealth University. Students at George Mason University, the University of Mary Washington, Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia have also called on their respective universities to cut ties with Israel. At Virginia Tech, 80 people were arrested, including 53 current students, according to The Washington Post.
“Biden, Biden, what do you say?” the crowd chanted on the street. “How many kids did you kill today?”
There was heavy police presence during the event, but CNU’s demonstrations remained peaceful.
After VCU’s protest, Gov. Glenn Youngkin took to X to condemn behavior from protestors that violated university policy or obstructed student life.
“After repeated warnings and refusal to disperse, law enforcement must protect Virginians,” his post read. “My administration will continue to fully support campus, local and state law enforcement and university leadership to keep our campuses safe.”
At 8:20 p.m., demonstrators sat together for a vigil for those who have died in Gaza. Red, green and white lights lined Warwick Boulevard at the corner of University Place. The group prayed for peace and freedom before returning to the entrance to the school. The group then dispersed.
Eliza Noe, eliza.noe@virginiamedia.com
