At the start of every year, we - the organizers that form Penn for Palestine - ask ourselves, "What is Penn for Palestine, and what does it mean to be for Palestine? Moreover, what exactly are we for?"
Essentially, we are activists from all over the world that organize for the destruction of various systems of oppression. Though we vary in our interests, we all come together to educate and organi
ze in solidarity with the Palestinian struggle for justice and human rights. No matter what organizational changes we undergo, one thing has stayed true: we are students for justice in Palestine. Penn for Palestine is not alone in this struggle. We are part of a global movement that is advocating for the end of human rights violations in Palestine. More specifically, we are part of a growing national student movement within the United States that is increasing awareness within our communities and moving to end the occupation. Last year, a member proposed changing our name from Penn for Palestine to Penn Students for Justice in Palestine. Though the change was not approved by the governing body, the question was revisited this year and was received differently. After the voting members deliberated, we unanimously decided to change our name from Penn for Palestine to Penn Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP). The decision was made for multiple reasons. For one, we wanted to better identify with the national body of Students for Justice in Palestine. Additionally, for Justice in Palestine better serves our purpose and answers the "for what?" question we constantly have to define. We hope this small but powerful change will help us stay grounded in our mission. Though Penn for Palestine will always be remembered as that little group with a big voice, we know that Penn SJP will continue the legacy set before us that educates and organizes students until there are equal rights for all in historic Palestine. In solidarity,
Penn Students for Justice in Palestine
