The situation at Portland State University (PSU) is part of a larger national movement of protests and occupations at universities across the United States, sparked by the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the university’s ties to companies with connections to Israel. The protests began on Thursday, April 25, 2024, and continues spreading into Portland. Protesters occupied the university’s Millar Library fleeing after Portland police surrounded the building leaving behind graffiti on walls and furniture and a supply of make-shift weaponry.

The protesters are demanding that PSU take action to support the Palestinian cause, including releasing a statement condemning the violence in Gaza, cutting ties with Boeing having connections to Israel, and including Palestine in the university’s ethnic studies requirements. They have also demanded that the university drop charges against students who have been arrested during the protests.

The university responded to demands by offering to provide financial support for anti-racist efforts and adding Palestinian works to the university’s Race and Ethnic Studies requirements. They also temporarily cut ties with Boeing. However, it appears the protestors aren't paid to negotiate. The Soros activists are being paid $2400 to cause chaos, and surveys show only 20% are students. In downtown Portland, they have set off fireworks, windows were broken and property was spray-painted during a march on Wednesday, according to Portland Police Bureau. On Thursday, 15 police cars were set on fire at the Bureau's training facility.

PSU cancelled classes for a few days but has reopened, except for the library. The Portland Police Bureau was called in to assist with the de-escalation, and at least 12 people have been arrested. However, those in the library were allowed to leave peaceably.

Campus students, even those sympathizing with the cause, are asking them all to leave. One student said, "There is so much destruction on the campus and in the library, all students will have to pay for it." Cutting Boeing donations is also not beneficial to students.

Governor Tina Kotek issued a statement in response to criminal activity in Portland:

”I fully condemn the criminal actions taken Thursday morning that resulted in the burning of 15 Portland Police Bureau cars, endangering first responders and the surrounding community. I have absolutely no tolerance for discriminatory harassment, violence, or property damage. This includes the acts of vandalism seen this week at the Portland State University library and against nearby businesses. These actions are in direct opposition to Oregon values and threaten working people, families, businesses, and our community as a whole. The Oregon State Police have launched a response on the outer perimeter of Portland State University. The state is prepared to exercise the full extent of the law.”

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Cause hungry Pro-Palestinian protesters have spread to the University of Oregon, and Lewis & Clark College. The popup camp outside of Knight Library at U of O has grown to 100 tents and is a mixed bag. Several groups that include Students Justice for Palestine, Jewish Voices for Peace, Grads for Palestine, and Young Democratic Socialists of America organized the camp, and seem to be on a "peace" mission organizing activities for the squatters. The protesters also want to see statements and actions from the U of O to affirm the safety of Palestinian, Muslim, Arab, and Jewish students. Although, they do demand an end to businesses supporting ties with Israel.

In response to a letter from Portland State University (PSU) President revealing failed negotiations to end the occupation of the University library, Republican Leader Jeff Helfrich (R-Hood River) issued the following statement.

“PSU’s president hasn’t learned the biggest lesson from the past few years: you can’t appease the mob. It only encourages more chaos in the future,” said Helfrich. “These students and outsiders chose to commit crimes. We need decisive action now; let law enforcement do their jobs and end the occupation of the library. People who intimidate others and deface public property need to be held accountable.”


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2024-05-03 16:01:08

Last Update: 2024-05-03 13:34:24