HARRISONBURG, Va. (ROCKTOWN NOW) – Demonstrations in support of Palestine have started on the campus of James Madison University, joining a movement that has grown on more than 40 college campuses across the country.

A handful of protestors began occupying the quad early Wednesday morning in solidarity with protestors at the other universities who have been arrested and threatened with suspension and expulsion by their respective institutions. Several dozen more joined throughout the day, fluctuating through class changes.

The school’s University Communications office released the following statement on behalf of JMU to Rocktown Now Wednesday afternoon:

 

As a public institution, we support the freedom of expression and civil discourse within the boundaries of the Constitution and consistent with university policies and the Code of Virginia. 

It is also our responsibility to provide a safe environment that is conducive to learning for all students.

 

Out of an abundance of caution, the people occupying the quad refused interviews as well as any photos revealing their faces. A brochure distributed by the protestors outlines their demands from the university, as follows:

  1. Complete, immediate financial transparency from JMU on all investments in and out of the university.
  2. A complete academic boycott of Israel and the United States Department of Defense.
  3. Divestment from all Israeli companies and weapons manufacturers.
  4. Amnesty for all students engaging in political protest on campus.
  5. The release of a statement condemning Israel’s genocide in Gaza.

According to an Instagram post from the JMU chapter of the Young Democratic Socialists of America, one of the organizers of the demonstration, the protestors intend to occupy the quad indefinitely until the demands are met.

University officials had no further comment when asked about the list of demands.

Unlike many of the recent campus occupations, which have seen clashes between police and protestors, the demonstration at JMU has been quiet and peaceful, as students displayed signs calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and liberation of Palestine. As of Wednesday evening, there have been no reported incidents related to the protests on JMU’s campus.