First full day of Rutgers University protests
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (PIX11) -- Tuesday marked the first full day for the encampment at Rutgers University.
The pro-Palestinian encampment was organized by the Endowment Justice Collective, which is demanding Rutgers divest from companies doing business with Israel and sever its relationship with Tel Aviv University.
“This is our way of showing administrators, showing the Board of Governors, that we are here to stay and we are ready to negotiate and that we will not stop until they allow us into the negotiation room,” said Sara, a student leader with the Endowment Justice Collective.
The collective claimed Rutgers is complicit in genocide, saying the university endowment includes investments in companies that manufacture weapons and technology used by Israel.
“How can we worry about things as trivial as graduation and finals when this mass genocide is happening somewhere else, but our tuition money?” said Sara.
A spokesperson for Rutgers University said it received the Endowment Justice Collective’s request and is undergoing the review process outlined in the university’s investment policy. Rutgers said its $1.8 billion endowment funds are invested in responsible ways and that it adheres to all applicable laws and regulations governing public university endowments.
Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway has made clear that he personally opposes divestment and supports the school’s partnership with Tel Aviv University.
In a statement to PIX11 News, Holloway said:
“Our students want to make a difference in a struggle that has cost far too many innocent lives and that threatens so many more. I respect their right to protest in ways that do not interfere with university operations or with the ability of their fellow students to learn.“