UMKC Students Stand in Solidarity with Gaza Amid Ongoing Warfare
Located in the burgeoning city of Kansas City, Missouri, students at the University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC) gathered on Monday to express their support for Gaza during the nerve-racking times of the Israel-Hamas conflict. A liberation zone was created by this enthusiastic group of young minds, as an emblematic gesture towards the current plight of Palestinians.
It was the UMKC student group, dubbed UMKC Students for Justice in Palestine (UMKC SJP), that led the charge in the formation of this zone. According to the group’s official release, this space would serve as a platform for students, faculty, and community members willing to share their personal experiences, perspectives, and messages of optimism enveloped in hope.
The Liberation Zone and its Representation
UMKC SJP expressed that the liberation zone was to include banners and placards. Further, the group intended to erect tents within the zone. These tents were to serve dual purposes. Besides functioning as meeting points for stimulating discussions and community engagement, these structures were also to symbolize the daily struggles faced by displaced Palestinians in refugee camps.
A UMKC representative, when reached out for a comment about the liberation zone, stated that the university would honour the rights of students to gather peacefully and participate in civil discourse. The spokesperson also made it clear that the university expected the SJP to uphold the established policies regarding protests and demonstrations. However, the students were notified of breaching the policy as soon as they set up the tents, as per UMKC regulations prohibiting camping or temporary shelters.
End of the Day Proceedings
Around 9:00 p.m., the group of protestors packed their belongings and left the university premises for the night. Attempts were made to get a response from the university regarding the enforcement of their policy, but as of the writing of this article, no comments have been received.
Liberation Zone Launched Amid Ceasefire Proposals
The inauguration of the liberation zone coincided with the appeal of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken towards Hamas, to accept a ceasefire deal proposed by Israel.
Post the launch, UMKC SJP listed out a demanding set of five propositions to UMKC and the University of Missouri System. One of the prominent demands sought the termination of programs and affiliations with Israeli academic institutions, including study abroad programs, by UMKC and the UM System.
Public Opinions Awaited
As the situation unfolds, further reactions from the University, students, and the wider community are awaited.
