University of Chicago faculty members speak out in support of student protestors
CHICAGO — Faculty members at the University of Chicago are coming out in support of student protestors Monday.
About 120 faculty and staff stood in solidarity with student protestors during a press conference.
Monday marks the eighth day of encampment on the Main Quad of the campus by pro-Palestine protesters. It’s one of several around the country at college campuses.
“As faculty members we will protect the safety of our students, if the administration attempts to violently remove them. Even if that means arrests and detention,” said Elham Mireshghi, U of C faculty member.
The group calls itself Faculty for Justice in Palastine and says 120 faculty and staff are members of this coalition.
“As educators, it’s our responsibility to nurture not only the intellectual, but the moral development of our students. When they choose to stand up for what they believe in, they’re implying the lessons of history, ethics, governance and social justice,” said Jessica Darrow, U of C faculty member.
Overnight, there was uncertainty as to whether there would be a police raid on the encampment. But as of 9 a.m. Monday, the encampment is still in place and there was no police raid.
‘Encampment cannot continue’: UChicago issues letter, asks community to avoid Main Quad
Student protestors were up until 3 a.m. preparing for police to move in. They divided into four color categories — those in “red” prepared to be arrested.
Over the weekend, students put up fencing around the encampment to protect their tents.
Faculty for Justice in Palestine urged the administration to respect freedom of expression. They oppose, what they call, a significant police action.
On Friday, university police showed up, some in riot gear, when there was a confrontation between protestors and counter-demonstrators. Protestors in the encampment want U of C to disclose investments in weapons manufacturers and to divest from those connected to Israel.
Many Jewish leaders have called encampments nationwide a “platform for antisemitism.”
The leaders of the student protestors say negotiations with the administration remain at an impasse. The faculty members say they will urge the administration to resume those talks.
WGN News has reached out to a university spokesperson for comment — but have not yet heard back.
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