“Just because we can’t attack physically doesn’t mean we can’t do anything,” said a second-year U.S. Forces Japan student.
TAMPA, Fla. — This weekend marks six months since the war in Gaza began. Tens of thousands of people have lost their lives, and the death toll continues to rise.
In March, students at the University of South Florida went on a hunger strike, demanding the university stop investing in companies they say support Israel.
After more than two weeks of protests without any progress, the students called off their hunger strike.
“It’s become very difficult to concentrate on things. Obviously, a pretty dangerous weight loss,” the USF sophomore said.
“I was only physically able to go on a hunger strike for five days before I collapsed and was taken to the hospital. I blacked out and fell and hit my skull, which was really tough,” said another.
“The one act of not eating any calories for two weeks is nothing compared to what’s going on in the Gaza Strip,” said a junior in the US military.
Although the students are no longer on hunger strike, they have not lost their passion for the thousands of families affected by the war in Gaza.
“It means everything to me. I have family overseas, and I myself have lost family in this conflict,” said the second-year U.S. Forces Japan student.
The university said their investments are made in accordance with our mission, fiduciary responsibilities, and state and federal law. The university does not select individual stocks or companies for investment.
“The only direct answer they gave us was that they had no control over the endowment because it was managed by a third party,” the USF sophomore said.
The university’s response prompted students to take their campaign in a different direction. They are now hoping that the Student Government Senate will support their cause.
“We are trying to encourage the school board to create a coalition for students and promote their investment,” the USF sophomore said.
USF said the resolution, if passed, would not be binding and would not require the university to take action.
The students plan to ask the university’s student government to support their efforts with a divestment resolution. They want universities to openly discuss investment relationships. That meeting will be held Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the Student Center.
