On November 11, Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), a new Stevens student organization unaffiliated with the national group, held a demonstration on Schaefer Lawn. This marked the first demonstration of Palestinian issues in the university’s history. The event was organized in coordination with campus administration to ensure a safe and respectful environment, and it drew a substantial turnout, surprising both organizers and administration.
The demonstration featured four speakers, including Stevens alumni and advocates from diverse backgrounds. Jenna Hassan, a Palestinian-American 2023 Stevens alumna, shared her perspective on being a Palestinian-American. Amado Sison, a Jersey City teacher, recounted his experience as a Filipino man of being shot by the Israeli military while visiting Palestine. Dr. Stephen Shalom, a member of Jewish Voice for Peace, offered insights from a Jewish perspective, and Jenny Labendz, an advocate for Ceasefire Now NJ, contributed with her expertise in ancient Jewish studies.
Preparation for the demonstration on the university side included the placement of barricades, security personnel, and portable cameras around the area by campus police. Additionally, an email was sent out by the Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Sara Klein and Chief of Campus Police, Tim Griffin on November 6 to “remind our community about the importance of free expression and our unwavering commitment to campus safety and security.” The event, which had been in planning for over a month, was intended to foster dialogue and raise awareness on campus about the on-going conflict in Palestine. SJP noted that its goal was to provide an educational and respectful platform for these discussions.
On November 8, prior to the demonstration, Stevens Hillel, a student organization for the Jewish community, issued a statement to its mailing list, containing the statement, “Our fellow students have the right to protest, but they do not have the right to harass or intimidate Jewish students. Our goal is to foster understanding and promote meaningful, respectful dialogue, and we are committed to supporting you through this process.” In the email, Hillel offered a supportive space for conversation within the Hillel community alongside professional support from Executive Director of Student Wellness, Dr. Eric Rose, scheduled to run concurrently with the SJP demonstration. SJP subsequently emphasized their commitment to respectful, inclusive advocacy in an Instagram post, noting that they have Jewish members and speakers within their organization who support peaceful dialogue.
SJP as an organization was created with the internet to disseminate accurate and well-supported information about the Palestinian situation, along with advocating for the human rights and self-determination of the Palestinian people using fact-based and professional advocacy methods, as stated in their constitution found on their DuckLink. The organization has been trying to put its best foot forward and urges anyone who is interested in helping or wants support to contact it. They have done this so far in the semester with their demonstration event, the Palestine 101 event, bringing a nurse who was present during the Gaza genocide to recount his story, and a vigil for all of the lives lost.
The SJP demonstration marked a significant and historic moment on campus, providing a platform for Palestinian issues and fostering dialogue within the Stevens community. SJP’s efforts, in coordination with the administration, highlighted their commitment to respectful, inclusive advocacy, aiming to educate and encourage understanding of complex global issues. With the support of speakers from diverse backgrounds, SJP worked to create an environment where different perspectives could be shared openly, reflecting their mission to build a community grounded in empathy and mutual respect. As campus conversations continue, SJP’s demonstration stands as a testament to the power of peaceful advocacy and education.
