Portland State University Students Rally to Cut Ties with Boeing Amid Israel Conflict

PORTLAND, Ore. – Students at Portland State University (PSU) gathered for a protest on Friday, urging the institution to sever its connections with Boeing. This demonstration echoed similar actions across the nation, where students are calling for universities to disassociate from companies supporting Israel during the conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

Holden Dometrius, a PSU student and protester, expressed his concerns about the university’s ties with Boeing, citing the company’s involvement in supplying weapons to the U.S. military, some of which have been purchased by Israel. PSU’s president, Ann Cudd, responded by announcing a temporary pause in the relationship with Boeing and scheduling a forum to address student concerns.

It’s philanthropic partnership, but we can’t ignore the atrocities, Dometrius stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Calls for Action and Debate

While some students view the pause as a step forward, others demand more decisive action. Dometrius and his fellow protesters seek to end what they describe as complicity in genocide, presenting a list of demands to the university administration. These demands include the establishment of an ethical investment committee to oversee future investments and a comprehensive review of all university affiliations.

Voices of Dissent and Support

During the demonstration, students chanted for a ceasefire, drawing attention to the ongoing violence in the region. Bob Horenstein, from the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland, questioned the protesters’ focus, urging them to consider the broader context of the conflict and condemning Hamas’s actions.

Meanwhile, students expressed their determination to continue protesting until their demands are met. Concerns about potential retaliation led many demonstrators to wear black to shield their identities.

Location and Response

Initially gathering in the South Park Blocks, protesters relocated to outside PSU’s library after police intervened. Both the university and law enforcement emphasized their commitment to upholding the students’ First Amendment rights while monitoring the situation closely.

Conclusion

The protest at Portland State University reflects a growing trend of student activism on college campuses across the country. As tensions persist in the Middle East, students are increasingly vocal in their calls for accountability and ethical responsibility from their academic institutions.

For more local news updates, download The Local News App on your smartphone.

Source