04/30/2024
Our statement on campus protests:
We are closely monitoring what’s unfolding nationwide, as protests on college campuses in support of Palestinian rights and an end to the violence in Gaza have been met with obstruction and repression.
Instead of facilitating and protecting their students’ right to protest, university administrations have gone to great lengths to quash it, even involving local authorities and demanding arrests, while suspending students who engage in peaceful demonstrations.
Academic freedom is central to the right to education — and campus activism is a crucial component of that freedom. As the crisis and atrocities in Gaza grow more horrifying each day, protest is critical if we are to achieve an immediate and permanent ceasefire to protect civilians, ensure unimpeded humanitarian aid access, and facilitate the safe release of hostages.
Protecting the safety and human rights of youth and students is of utmost importance to us at Amnesty — we are proud to be a grassroots movement powered by thousands of students across the country who have started Amnesty groups on their campuses and who are advancing and protecting human rights in their communities and globally.
On Friday, we sent a statement regarding students’ rights to engage in peaceful assembly to all university presidents at U.S. colleges and universities where we have Amnesty chapters and member leaders.
Throughout history, peaceful protests have enabled people like you and me to express dissent, opinions, and ideas, expose injustice and abuse, and demand accountability from those in power.
Protests are a deeply powerful vehicle for advancing human rights.
And with 10 million people — including you! — behind us, we will continue to protect the right to protest wherever it is restricted, whenever it is at risk.
Thanks for fighting the good fight,
Katie Davos
Youth and Student Program
Amnesty International USA
