On Wednesday—one day before the Hamas terror group released the bodies of the two Bibas boys, Ariel, 4, and 9-month-old Kfir–pro-Palestinian protestors tried to take over a building at Swarthmore College.
Now, the college is clamping down on Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP). Swarthmore President Val Smith promised repercussions for those involved, including members of SPJ and others, which violated the student code of conduct.
The protesters took over the first floor of the east wing of Parrish Hall. Although college officials told them to leave, they refused. Instead, they “escalated the situation, including by ignoring Public Safety officers who were attempting to keep the building secure and by opening exterior doors on multiple occasions to allow additional protesters inside, some of whom we now know were not members of our community,” Smith wrote.
“I have affirmed time and again the college’s belief in and support of individuals’ rights to peaceful protest and dissent. I have also been clear that those rights do not extend so far as to infringe on the ability of other students, faculty, and staff members to fully engage in the life of the campus, nor do they give license for protesters to disrupt the essential operations of the college,” Smith said.
Those protesters who repeatedly banged on office doors and walls, broke into offices, damaged doors, used a bullhorn indoors, and “other clearly violent behavior” will face repercussions.
“Wednesday’s actions constitute significant, numerous violations of the Student Code of Conduct, and individuals found responsible for violating College policies will be held accountable,” Smith said.
Jason Holtzman, director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, commended the university’s actions.
“While we respect free speech and the right to peaceful protest, the tactics used by Swarthmore SJP create a dangerous campus environment and only intend to sow feelings of intimidation and isolation,” Holtzman said.
“This past week has been especially difficult for the Jewish community with the news of the return of the bodies of Oded Lifshitz and Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas, who were all killed in Hamas captivity. It is now more important than ever that colleges uplift its Jewish students and create spaces for peaceful and productive dialogue.”
The college suspended Students for Justice in Palestine from operating on its campus. The group’s website was disconnected on Monday. But Swarthmore SJP’s Instagram account showed a video of campus security allegedly assaulting the protesters.
In a letter to protesters, Stephanie Ives, vice president for student affairs, says those found in violation during the Parrish Hall protest face “loss of all academic privileges” and “loss of access to campus services, including food and housing.”
Swarthmore, a small liberal arts college, was founded in 1864 by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). Tuition at Swarthmore is $65,494.
