Days after the arrests, protesters gathered in front of the Notre Dame campus on May 5 at the cross-section of Notre Dame Avenue and Angela Boulevard for an “All eyes on Palestine rally” organized by the organization “Occupation Free ND.”
Occupation Free ND published its “demands,” asking the university for the “disclosure of invested fund[s] accompanied by genuine efforts towards divestment from weapons manufacturing companies” as well as requesting “Academic Boycott and Ethical Engagement with Universities in Israel” in a post on X. The post also recommended that protesters wear face masks and cover any identifying tattoos and jewelry to the rally.
Footage by local news station 16WNDU showed protesters holding signs that had slogans such as, “Ceasefire now,” “We’re a Catholic University funded by blood money,” and “Free Palestine.”
These protests began at the end of April during the celebration of Notre Dame president Father John Jenkins’ retirement.
Protesters demanded transparency from the university on its investments in military contractor companies, that it reevaluate the university’s ties to Israeli universities, and that the university alter a 1969 rule that requires protests receive approval from the administration in addition to other regulations, according to a statement by Occupation Free ND on X.
They also called for revoking a “15-minute protest rule,” which was designed in the wake of disruptive protests in the 1960s to prevent protests from impinging on regular campus activity, according to the university’s website.
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