Students at the University of Michigan protest against Gaza genocide and attacks on democratic rights

Students at the University of Michigan (U-M) in Ann Arbor took to the streets on Thursday in a powerful demonstration against the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the attacks on democratic rights by the campus administration. With over 1,000 participants, the protest highlighted the deep opposition among young people to the US-backed Israeli atrocities that have claimed the lives of over 30,000 Gazans and pushed the population to the brink of famine.

The rally, organized by the TAHRIR Coalition, brought together a diverse group of over 80 student organizations united in their condemnation of the brutal actions of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the complicity of the U-M administration in supporting the military-industrial complex. The protesters expressed intense anger towards the university leadership, including President Santa Ono, whose exorbitant salary stands in stark contrast to the struggles faced by students and faculty.

The demonstration also shed light on the recent crackdown on democratic rights at U-M, with the administration issuing threats of expulsion and firing against those involved in protests. The release of a draft “disruptive activity policy” further escalated tensions, giving the university sweeping powers to suppress any form of dissent on campus.

Members of the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) at U-M distributed a statement opposing the new policy, emphasizing the need to defend free speech and assembly rights. Socialist Equality Party (US) presidential candidate Joseph Kishore and vice presidential candidate Jerry White joined the protest, calling for a mobilization of the working class to resist imperialism and war.

Despite the political amorphousness of some speeches at the rally, the presence of groups like the IYSSE and SEP provided a platform for discussions on revolutionary socialist solutions to the crises facing the world. The march through campus, which included brief occupations of key buildings, highlighted the determination of students to challenge the status quo and fight for a more just and equitable future.

The protest at U-M serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and the urgent need to address the root causes of oppression and violence. As students continue to push back against authoritarian measures and stand in solidarity with oppressed communities, the struggle for justice and equality remains at the forefront of the campus activism.