Students reflect on the Israel-Hamas conflict amidst divestment referendum

As students vote on a divestment referendum this SGA election, University of Maryland student organizations reflect on recent ceasefire negotiations, the university administration and campus activism. 

The university’s chapter of Student for Justice in Palestine has led activism efforts throughout the past year, organizing demonstrations and sit-ins to emphasize the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. However, members have encountered administrative restrictions and campus police supervision.

“We’ve had to deal with a lot of repression from the university, from monitoring by UMPD to the administration trying to cancel our events,” Matthew Foos, a senior Philosophy major and SJP’s spokesperson said. “But we’ve also seen a strong coalition come together in support of Palestine, and that’s been powerful.”

UMPD did not directly respond to requests for comment.

Jewish Voices for Peace, which has worked alongside SJP, challenged the university to sever ties from defense contractors linked to Israel’s military.

“The school has very deep ties with defense contractors like Lockheed Martin,” said Hershel Barnstein, a senior Biology major and JVP board member, said. “We are seeking to put an end to those ties.”

The University of Maryland has received multiple donations from Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, according to reporting from The Diamondback.

Students are voting on an open ballot measure during this SGA election on whether the university will divest from such companies.

In response, the university’s senior director of communications, Rebecca Ann Aloisi, provided an official statement on the university’s position regarding defense contractors

“UMD maintains relationships with public and private organizations representing many different sectors and industries, including defense contractors, which play a critical role in national security.”

While activists lobby for broader political change, some students remain uncertain about engaging with the issue.

Mariah Morris, a freshman majoring in Letters and Sciences, acknowledged that a ceasefire is a step forward but questioned whether it would be enough.

“If the deeper issues aren’t addressed, it’s just a temporary fix,” Morris said. “A real solution would need to go beyond just stopping the violence.”

Another student, Joi Walker, a freshman majoring in Immersive Media Design, expressed frustration at the lack of activism on campus. 

“There aren’t enough protests or signs around campus,” Walker said. “A lot of people just aren’t aware of what’s happening.”

Walker also voiced concerns about the larger geopolitical implications of the ceasefire efforts. “It feels as though this situation was inevitable given the political landscape. The ceasefire isn’t truly addressing the root conflict, and unfortunately, the people of Gaza are the ones who continue to suffer the most,” Walker added.

The Jewish Student Union also weighed in on the ceasefire discussions, expressing concerns over the recurring push for divestment measures on campus.

“For the third time in a year, Jewish students at UMD are anxious as the student government entertains yet another so-called ‘divestment’ measure,” JSU said in a statement. “This measure attempts to sow hate and isolation on campus by platforming the BDS movement—an antisemitic ideology seeking to demonize anyone connected to Israel, the Jewish homeland.”

JSU emphasized the emotional toll these discussions have had on Jewish students, citing repeated instances of tension and division.

“The mission of JSU is to support the vibrancy of the nearly 6,000-strong Jewish Terp community. In accordance with that mission, we amplify a united call from Jewish Terps, who urge the student body to vote no and oppose this unproductive and hateful measure,” the statement continued.

As the conflict continues, both SJP and JVP remain committed to their activism, raising awareness among students and demanding to cut ties with defense contractors. They emphasize the importance of active involvement with political action beyond social media.

“We encourage students to do their research, attend events, and challenge misinformation,” Barnstein said.