While college students across the country pitched tents for encampment and marched for Palestine, Arkansas State University remained silent — and that silence speaks volumes.
On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas — a terrorist group from Palestine — waged an attack on Israel, killing hundreds. In response, U.S.-backed Israeli retaliation has led to the deaths of thousands and the displacement of millions of Palestinians. Graphic scenes from Gaza flooded TikTok, Instagram and X, formerly known as Twitter.
Columbia University became the first recorded campus to protest against the United States’ involvement with Israel’s assault on Gaza in April 2024, with a recorded 40 more campuses to follow, according to The Guardian.
Top universities like Yale, Harvard, and Princeton dominated media coverage, but even universities in the deep south gained attention.
At Emory University in Georgia, police fired rubber bullets and tear gas canisters at pro-Palestinian protesters. Similar scenes were reported at the University of Texas in Austin.
Campuses nationwide have voiced their stances on their government’s financial ties to Israel. But with increasing crackdowns from federal agencies, police and ICE officials, these movements are slowly fizzling out.
Arkansas, however, has remained especially quiet.
However, that’s not to say there hasn’t been any activism. Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of Arkansas sent a letter to their administration, demanding they speak out against “Israeli apartheid.” Dozens of student-faculty also joined the campus protest. Hendrix College also hosted their protest, drawing about 50 participants.
So, what about A-State?
A-State has an enrollment of only 10,000 less than the U of A, and 12,000 more than Hendrix — yet, no visible action has come to fruition.
Maybe Gaza isn’t a cause we’re willing to fight. But I argue that even before Oct. 7, A-State has cultivated and fostered a culture of apathy when it comes to social justice and civil rights.
Since arriving in Jonesboro in August 2021, I’ve organized several protests — including one on campus when Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders visited to promote her 2023 LEARNS Act.
Still, I barely gathered 15 students to attend a protest for a bill that directly impacted them.
The next few protests and campaigns I held had even less student turnout.
Why is it that support from the younger generation here on campus is so hard to receive? When has mobilizing our generation, especially on campus, become difficult?
I’ve spoken with many A-State registered student organizations (RSOs) and students about collaborating for social movements, yet I have been met with the same answers every time.
Students fear activism will jeopardize their academic standing. Or, they say they don’t have time. Or, they don’t think it concerns them.
As someone set to graduate in May, I promise — your academic careers will not be at risk if you get involved.
And as someone who has juggled two majors and two jobs at the same time, I promise — you can spare 30 minutes to stand up for something.
I’ve seen the recent attacks on DEI, healthcare and financial aid and how it will impact A-State students. I promise — these issues will concern you, whether you realize it now or later.
Categories: Opinion
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