A student-led protest kicked off near Frog Baby at 4 p.m. May 1 in solidarity with Palestine amidst the country’s conflict with Israel.
The conflict started Oct. 7 after Hamas launched a surprise attack against Israel. The United States became involved in the Palestinian-Israel conflict Oct. 10.
Ball State has yet to issue a statement on the conflict.
“We're not here simply because students were arrested or because of police, but because there is an ongoing genocide in Palestine and we are horrified that our university is complicit,” said Joseph Souza, a third-year political science major.
Souza helped organize the event aiming to raise awareness and student consciousness.
Participants chanted “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!” “Up, up with liberation!” and, “Free, free Palestine!”
“I hope the university realizes that there are hundreds of students on this campus willing to participate in civil disobedience,” Souza said. “What we're doing is for the sanctity of human life.”
Sarah Blackwell, a fourth-year music theater major, and Sam Billard, a third-year business major were among the student protesters.
Even though she’ll be walking in commencement May 4, Blackwell said protesting is still important to her. She said students have the ability to change the opinions of people within and at the university and that she has “good faith” in the cause.
The “good faith” is shared by first-year Linnea Orr, a general studies major.
“I've always been a huge supporter of human rights and justice, [so] for me to put time aside during finals wasn't even a question to come out here and support,” she said.
Lori Kate Lowenher, an Israel-American with children in the Israeli military said the protest saddened her.
“There are so many people here today … War brings devastation [but] Israel stands for peace,” Lowenher said.
When asked about the protest, Ball State University President Geoffery Mearns gave no comment.
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