Denton, Texas | Demonstrators, protesting the war in Gaza, fill the Willis Library Mall at the University of North Texas. | Alaina Jones
Students at universities across the U.S. took part in simultaneous "class walkouts" and demonstrations against the war in Gaza on April 30, 2024.
Photojournalism students at the University of North Texas were there to document the hundreds of protesters who rallied and marched on the UNT campus.
Talia and Sama, vice president and president of the UNT Palestine Solidarity Committee (PSC), lead the protest on the UNT Campus. All the leaders of the organization identified themselves by first names only. | Hudson Crozier
During the event, the PSC promoted four demands to the UNT administration:
- Publicly apologize for allowing two members of the Israeli army to join an "Israel Week" session hosted by UNT’s Hillel student organization.
- Cease any disciplinary action against student leaders who have organized demonstrations.
- Disclose all investments made through the UNT Foundation.
- Reject an executive order by Texas governor Greg Abbott that singles out chapters of the Palestinian Solidarity Committee and Students for Justice in Palestine.
"Shut it down!" demonstrators chanted.
BACKGROUND: It's been nearly six months since October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched surprise attacks from Gaza in which the US and Israeli governments say around 1200 were killed (including roughly 845 civilians). Additionally nearly 250 people, including women, children and elderly, were taken hostage. Negotiations have yielded the release of some hostages, but Israel says more that 130 hostages remain unaccounted for, with a quarter of them presumed dead.
In response, Israel launched bombings and troop incursions into Gaza, and in the past 200 days the United Nations estimates that more than 77,000 people have been wounded in Gaza and 34,000 have been killed, including approximately 14,000 children and 9000 women. Thousands more are missing and presumed trapped beneath rubble. All 12 of Gaza's universities have been severely damaged or destroyed, and Gaza's hospital system is on the brink of collapse. More than 75% of Gaza's 2.3 million residents have been displaced - including at least 17,000 unaccompanied or orphaned children. The UN warns that Gaza is at immediate risk of famine as a result of the ongoing war.
Opinion polls have shown Americans' support for Israel and the war in Gaza has declined rapidly, especially among younger Americans.
“Up, up with Judaism, down, down with Zionism,” protesters chanted.
"Hey, Biden, you can't hide; you're supporting genocide!" protesters chanted.
The event was peaceful, there were no arrests, and police presence was minimal.
Students listened to speeches and participated in chants for two hours. | Sophia Carbajal
Photo credits: Andrea Olan, Samantha Rodriguez, Madison Suchsland
Two students of the UNT Palestine Solidarity Committee speak to the crowd of protesters chanting “Up, up with Judaism, down, down with Zionism.” | Taylor Pleasant
Students, security staff, and reporters gather at UNT’s Library Mall before a walk-out to protest Israel’s war on Palestine. | Alexis Bishop
The president of the UNT Palestine Solidarity Committee, Sama (center), who shared only her first name, leads chants at a demonstration against the war in Gaza. | Madison Suchsland
Campus police at the University of North Texas monitor a crowd of dozens protesting against the war in Gaza. Roughly a dozen campus police maintained a low profile and generally kept watch on the event from a distance. | Hudson Crozier
The event was heavily covered by local news. A police officer confirmed the helicopters around campus belonged to news stations. | Samantha Rodriguez