Occidental College Students Stage Hunger Protest

Beginning Monday, ten students from Occidental College embarked on a hunger protest, with a goal of drawing awareness to their ongoing demand for the institution to sever financial ties with arms producers connected to Israel amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Escalation of Student Demands

Protesters have further amplified their requests, urging the college to fortify protections for its international scholars in light of the Trump administration's broad actions against students whose activities are perceived as oppositional to national interests, particularly those who oppose Israel's actions in Gaza.

The hunger strikers drew motivation from peers at Chapman University in Orange, who initiated a similar stance in April, which concluded without any concessions after a ten-day period. This strategy marks a new era of advocacy methods among students worried about the humanitarian situation in Palestine, especially as California campuses have begun to prohibit or restrict prolonged encampments, which previously resulted in violent clashes and accusations of antisemitism.

Previous Protests and Administration Response

Last year, the Students for Justice in Palestine at Occidental camped out for nine days demanding divestment from companies supplying military equipment to Israel. Despite the Board of Trustees' initial silence on the issue, they later chose not to divest. As of August, the college's indirect investments in these companies were valued at roughly $940,000—about 10% of its endowment.

Students reignited their appeals to President Tom Stritikus, demanding a withdrawal of all investments in arms companies with Israeli ties and enhancing protection for international students by offering free legal aid for those facing visa issues and clearing any protest-related conduct violations from student records.

Administrative Commitment and Student Perspective

In communications to the university community, President Stritikus acknowledged various ongoing initiatives addressing student concerns but articulated disagreements over the methods of achieving shared goals. He reiterated the administration's pledge to take reasonable measures to assist international students facing potential loss of legal status under Trump-era policies.

Student Resilience Amidst Rising Trials

Despite these assurances, participating students assert that the institution's efforts fall short. In a series of online updates, they have condemned the deaths in Gaza due to Israeli airstrikes and the blockade restricting humanitarian resources to the area, which began in early March as pressure on Hamas.

Students are subsisting solely on water with electrolytes. By the third day, Jackie Hu, a junior studying biochemistry, reported physical discomforts such as insomnia and headache. Though the situation is challenging, Hu emphasized the greater hardship faced by Palestinians, particularly given the destruction of educational facilities in Gaza.

Set up near the campus dining area, the protestors mark each day with signs, even as some falter by Thursday. The college president made a brief appearance to express understanding, though differences in opinion continue.

Freshman Evan Zeltzer underscored the determination to continue despite exhaustion and cold, reflecting a shared commitment to voicing urgent humanitarian concerns amidst a globally critical environment.