Statement in solidarity with students' historical mobilizations- now and then

We emphasize this history not to normalize the recent spate of police violence against students calling for divestment, but to remind everyone that, in all these cases, the students were right and the reactionary response to their political engagement was proved immoral. 

Today, on May Day, we applaud the bravery of students facing attacks from police, university administrations and right-wing provocateurs. We honor their efforts to reject militarism and shed light on the troubling reality that the United States prioritizes the suppression of its youth over ending the tragic loss of innocent lives in Palestine. ​

When students participated in sit-ins against racist segregation laws in the 1960s, they were met with police violence. When they protested the Vietnam War in the ‘70s they were met with police violence. When they protested against South African apartheid, sweatshops and neoliberal globalization they were met with police violence. 

WPJC has worked in solidarity with both Palestinians and student activists since our formation and we will continue to do so, undeterred by militarized police or mainstream opposition.

May our movements learn and grow from this moment, ushering in a new, sustainable vision for peace and justice.