LOS ANGELES – Hundreds of students converged outside the California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees meeting in Long Beach to protest and demand transparency and accountability from the university administration. The rally follows recent student-led encampments across 11 CSU campuses, highlighting growing unrest among student bodies across California.

Demands for Transparency and Divestment

Students participating in the rally are advocating for several key demands:

• Disclosure of Investments: They are urging CSU to reveal all financial investments, particularly those involving Israeli entities.
• Divestment from Israeli Entities: Students seek the university’s commitment to divest from investments tied to Israel, citing concerns over human rights violations.
• Support for Student Activism: They are calling for explicit support for student activism on campus, aiming to protect and uphold students’ rights to protest and dissent.
• Genocide Declaration: Additionally, protesters are pushing for CSU to officially declare that Israel’s actions constitute genocide, aligning with broader international debates on human rights.

Voices from the Rally

Brian, a student from Sonoma State University, voiced his support at the Long Beach rally, emphasizing his opposition to using tuition funds for investments he perceives as contributing to injustice. He expressed concerns over what he views as CSU’s indirect support of alleged genocidal actions.

Closed Meeting Amidst Public Outcry

The CSU Board of Trustees meeting, where these issues were expected to be discussed, was closed to the public, further fueling frustrations among the student demonstrators. The decision to exclude public participation contrasts with the students’ call for transparency and accountability within the university’s governance.

Conclusion

As tensions escalate and student activism gains momentum across CSU campuses, the demand for transparency and ethical investment practices remains a pressing issue. The rally in Long Beach underscores the students’ determination to hold their institutions accountable for their financial decisions and moral stances. For more updates on local student movements and campus news, download The Local News App on your mobile device today.

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