I want to document the ways in which so-called “progressive” university administrations are communicating about encampments and genocide. In particular, the university in which I attend as an E-campus student, Oregon State University, has been has been doing its utmost to give individualized solutions to an ongoing genocide. What I mean by this is the sharing of “resources” and to “reach out to your professors” if you are struggling. No systemic plans are in place. No divestment (yet).

What I have seen? 3 emails from the university president on the topic in those 7 months, one on Nakba day, filled with false equivalence, bothsidesism, and seemingly outright lies. I’ll include all three as a treat below. 

   As Palestinians are starving, being bombed and unalived in the most grotesque ways imaginable, this is the response of the institution. I am not surprised but the rage swells from within me nonetheless. 

The students also set up their encampment on Nakba day. Solidarity running deep and gentle despite the cold apathy of the institution. It seems that a few tents, prayers, and food can make an administration churn out an email and a webpage before the day is done without hesitation more than over 30,000 dead Palestinians ever could. They couldn’t even wait until the end of Nakba day to show the true face of the institution.

Seven months of assignments due still, because surprise surprise, a lot of professors actually don’t seem to give a fuck if I am struggling with this. Seven months of knowing that my bloody fucking tax dollars that make me complicit in this genocide are the same that drown me in debt in this institution that doesn’t actually give two shits about me. Seven months of questioning if I am the only student who is struggling with this, seeing bones, hands, bodies, haunting images I will never forget. I am two realities removed from everyone now? I try to do the math but then another Al Jazeera story drops that Biden wants to send more money to do more genocide. 

Oregon State President Jayathi Murthy, you are complicit. I do not want to compartmentalize genocide.

Meet the students, divest from genocide, and remember receipts are being saved. 

These badass students can be found here:

If you want to get in touch with the president’s office, and you are an Alumni wanting to withhold your donation/future contributions: pres.office@oregonstate.edu