The Council on American-Islamic Relations, Sacramento Valley/Central California (CAIR-SV/CC) supports the peaceful encampment at UC Davis organized as the Popular University for the Liberation of Palestine (UCD PULP).
Dozens of tents remain at the UC Davis Memorial Quad, a part of a broader wave of protests across at least 27 campuses nationwide. Students are deeply connected to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, especially the ongoing bombardment of Rafah, and are demanding divestment from companies supporting the occupation of Palestine and an academic boycott of Israeli institutions. One of the focal points of their demands is for the total divestment of the UC Davis foundation and UC-wide endowment, retirement, and working capital pools from companies complicit in the ongoing occupation and genocide of Palestine.
In a statement, Sukaina Hussain, Interim Executive Director of CAIR-SV/CC said:
“We implore UC Davis and its leadership to prioritize peaceful engagement and uphold fundamental rights, ensuring that student voices advocating for human rights are heard and respected, not silenced. It’s imperative that the university acts as a beacon of dialogue and understanding in these turbulent times.'”
Recent events at UCLA, where over 200 people were arrested as police dismantled a pro-Palestinian encampment, underscore the imperative for UC Davis to ensure peaceful protests do not face similar aggressive enforcement measures.
Chancellor Gary S. May has responded by affirming the university’s commitment to free expression and peaceful protest while maintaining educational and operational integrity. While his email remains vague about what steps the administration plans to take regarding the encampment, CAIR SV/CC calls on Chancellor May to avoid breaking up the encampment with force and to engage with the students in good faith.
CAIR-SV/CC emphasizes the importance of fostering an environment where students can advocate for human rights without fear of reprisal or confrontation. We advocate for the university administration to engage in dialogue and support the educational goals of the encampment, avoiding police enforcement. As global tensions rise, CAIR-SV/CC stands ready to ensure that the rights to free expression and peaceful assembly are upheld, serving as a model of peaceful resolution and open dialogue.
**About CAIR SV/CC**
The Council on American-Islamic Relations Sacramento Valley/Central California (CAIR SV/CC) is a chapter of America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. We aim to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims
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CONTACT: Fauziya Faruk | ffaruk@cair.com | 916-232-0258