NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Tulane University students met up on Friday, May 3 to voice their concerns over the university’s recent removal of protesters from campus.
“Tulane has repeatedly gone against its own values and free expression and censored students from speaking out. We demand change to our university policy,” said Tulane student Sania Islam.
Tulane undergraduate Joscelyn Caldwell felt violated when the fences went up. She says pro-Palestine demonstrations have been held repeatedly on campus since Oct. 7.
“I feel like that fence is up in a way to keep us from feeling like we can speak out, as people with pro-Palestine perspectives,” said Caldwell.
Tulane officials say at least seven students are facing suspension for activity associated with Wednesday’s protest.
Caldwell hopes that the letter will open the lines of communication between protesters and the university.
“I am glad they want to speak to us and work with us. But I’ll believe they are going to work with us on this once some sort of committee is formed or once they start reaching out to me and the other signees to ask how they can do better if they aren’t able to meet our demands,” said Caldwell.
She also says that protests will continue even after the semester ends.
“We’re going to try to organize activism on campus more broadly as well, but especially in relation to Palestine. We’re coming back in the fall,” said Caldwell.
University President Michael Fitts is reviewing the letter. Several students tell WGNO they plan to join local groups upset over the ongoing conflict in Palestine.
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