Dozens of pro-Palestine protesters converged at Lincoln Park and took to Ocean Boulevard in a march towards the nearby Cal State University chancellor’s office on Tuesday morning. The demonstration, part of a broader statewide movement, aimed to pressure the CSU system to divest from Israel and any entities profiting from the conflict in Gaza.

As the group, consisting of approximately 100 protesters, occupied the street, law enforcement issued warnings of potential arrests if they remained in the roadway. Upon reaching the chancellor’s office at 401 Golden Shore, chants of “free Palestine” and “we will not rest until divest” echoed outside the building.

Student Coalition’s Demands

The protesters, organized under the banner of the CSU Student Divestment Coalition, called on the university system to publicly acknowledge what they term as Israel’s engagement in genocide, ethnic cleansing, and settler-colonialism. They cited the high casualties among Gazans, including many women and children, as a consequence of the Israeli military’s response to Hamas’ activities.

Despite the persistent demands, the CSU chancellor’s office has stood firm, reiterating its stance on existing investment policies related to Israel and the conflict. According to a statement released last month, the CSU maintains investments in mutual funds and bonds, emphasizing their role in providing stable revenue streams for campus operations.

Campus Responses and Political Backlash

Students across various campuses have intensified their pressure through demonstrations and encampments. At Sonoma State, for instance, initial concessions made by the campus president regarding some demands were swiftly overturned. CSU Chancellor Mildred García placed President Mike Lee on leave after his agreement to pursue divestment and an academic boycott of Israel drew criticism from statewide figures like State Sen. Scott Wiener.

Wiener, co-chair of the California Legislature’s Jewish Caucus, condemned the divestment movement, alleging its ultimate aim as the destruction of Israel, which is home to millions of ****.

Calls for Action and Policy Change

The protesters in Long Beach extended their rally to a scheduled CSU Board of Trustees meeting, urging Chancellor García and the trustees to heed their demands. The CSU Student Divestment Coalition called for meaningful engagement and policy changes, with a warning of resignations should their demands not be met.

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