Students Stage Encampment Action in Solidarity with Gaza at University of Groningen
Standing up to University's actions of suppressing the protests.
The students of Groningen are calling an encampment action to stand in solidarity with Gaza, and have been occupying the Harmonie building of the University of Groningen since 10:40 AM.
Students are camping out with tents, Palestinian flags and sleeping bags, set on gathering as large a mobilization on the streets as possible. Videos show the police force coming to the scene to remove them, but the students are resisting.
Due to the university's recent history of suppressing previous actions and protests for the same cause, students are now motivated to stand up and call out the dismissive attitude of the university. They refer to the university's deep ties to imperialism and colonization, and connect its past actions to ongoing injustices.
The university claims to be neutral, and enforcing measures for safety, but students see this as a way to avoid taking responsibility for their actions.
Dutch Scholars for Palestine have called for a national walkout today from 11 AM onward, and are inviting students, academics, staff and anyone else to join the walkout. Additionally, a solidarity demonstration will take place from 6 PM onwards, which people can join after their workday.
You can find more information and updates at @encampment.rug