Written by: Erin Cater and Jackson Dembrosky
The Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) held protests on the Kennesaw State University Campus Green unified with Palestinians as the conflict continues in the Middle East.
On April 25, protestors at schools across the United States stood in solidarity with those dying in Israel and Palestine, including the University of Southern California, New York University and KSU.
Photo Credit: Daylan Johnson.
Protestors in Kennesaw chanted “Free, Free, Palestine,” “Genocide Joe has got to go” and “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” among other chants.
The walkout began at 11:30 a.m. and participants were told in a social media post from the PSL to gather on the Kennesaw Campus Green. Protestors chanted and then marched around the Morgan and Bailey Academic Learning Center, and the area surrounding the Carmichael Student Center.
Police were present nearby, and The Sentinel spotted one Georgia State Patrol officer near the Siegel Student Recreation and Activities Center.
Counter-protestors were also present in front of the Carmichael Student Center, holding up an Israeli flag and facing in the direction of those demanding a ceasefire in Gaza. It is unknown if they were associated with an on-campus group.
This particular walkout comes after Columbia University’s President Nemat “Minouche” Shafik requested the New York City Police Department to remove protestors from the South Lawn, leading to the arrest of over 100 people, according to CNN.
This sparked encampments and protests on campuses nationwide, but KSU had been initiating walkouts since a month prior.
On April 15, the PSL led another protest at KSU with picket signs and flyers for the presidential ticket of Claudia de la Cruz and running mate Karina Garcia.
“That is not why we are here today, but we are always trying to support and show off Claudia and Karina,” PSL Organizer Kenley Scayola said.
This walkout appeared smaller compared to the nearly 200 participants in March.
The first protest at KSU occurred on March 7 with approval from Student Activities and supervision from Dr. Ronald Briggs, KSU Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students.
“I am just here to make sure it stays peaceful,” Briggs said during the first walkout.
Photo Credit: Erin Cater
Led by PSL, this walkout utilized amplified sound, picket signs and megaphones to draw the attention of students and on-lookers. Organizers wore red shirts and safety vests along with black and white checkered headscarves.
“We continue to put pressure on the Biden administration as well as local officials,” said KSU student and PSL member Nick, who did not want to share his last name. “No action is small. It is important to organize within our communities, here in Kennesaw, especially on campus.”
These protests are advocating for a “Free Palestine” which entails a cease-fire and reallocation of land, according to organizers.
“I am unequivocally Pro-Palestine,” Scayola said. “Image going through a genocide, alone, with no parents. I don’t care what your religious stance is, you should never support the slaughter and starvation of 2.2 million people.”
President Joe Biden called for a temporary cease-fire on March 1, a week before his campaign stop in Downtown Atlanta.
“We’re trying to work out a deal between Israel and Hamas on the hostages being returned and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for at least the next six weeks and to allow the surge of aid to the Gaza Strip,” Biden said, according to CNN.
This Wednesday, President Biden signed a $95 billion foreign aid bill that includes support for Gaza, Israel and Ukraine.
Biden said Israel must ensure humanitarian aid for Palestinians in the Hamas-controlled territory “without delay” in a press release following the signing of the bill.
In a part of his statement on X, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said, “College campuses are designed to be places of learning and often civil discourse, but in Georgia, they will never be a safe-haven for those who promote terrorism and extremism that threatens the safety of students.”
The Sentinel reached out to KSU for comment, but there was no response.
For more information, visit Kennesaw State University’s Freedom of Expression Policy.