Demonstrators call for University to divest from defense contractors amid conflicts in Gaza and Iran

Students marched across the College Ave campus on April 2, demonstrating against the University’s involvement with companies that work with and support the US military and profit from conflicts in the Middle East.

Demonstrators waved signs and chanted at passing cars and students, calling for Rutgers to divest from the companies, especially those with involvement in the ongoing conflicts in Palestine and Iran.

Organized by Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), the event started and ended at Buccleuch park, with demonstrators travelling down College Ave and back up George Street.

Students chanted for divestment for several companies, including defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin, L3 Harris, and Northrop Grumman. Many students took particular issue with weapons manufacturers tabling at career fairs, where they might recruit students for employment.

“It’s important Rutgers divest from these companies because we as an institution should stand up for what is right,” one student told WRSU. “These companies come into Rutgers, have fairs and whatnot, and are sponsors for all the crimes being committed all across the Middle East right now.

One organizer expressed frustrations knowing her tuition goes toward companies involved with foreign conflicts by the U.S. military.

“I can’t believe my tuition money is going to [defense contractors], and I can’t believe that these same people are walking the same steps as me, advertising their companies which are literally just companies for murder for profit,” the organizer told WRSU. “Especially since Rutgers tries to make itself seem like it upholds all these values… Well, if you’re literally killing people abroad, none of that even matters.”

A student attendee told WRSU what she hopes the event will tell administration. “I want, specifically, President Tate and the joint committee on investments to rethink where their money is going.” she said. “We have so much money, and, instead, it’s going toward killing students rather than helping students.”

In a press release, SJP demanded that University administration divest financially from and end all partnerships with the companies, and cancel all on-campus events hosting the defense companies.

After the demonstration, organizers invited attendees to purchase political stickers, saying the proceeds would go to relief efforts in Gaza and Iran.

While Students For Justice in Palestine began as a student organization, SJP no longer associates with the University, operating within the city of New Brunswick instead.

Rahil Chatterjee contributed to this story.