On June 2nd, University of Pittsburgh students re-established the Gaza Solidarity Encampment on the Cathedral of Learning lawn. Students, faculty, and community members peacefully demanded divestment of university finances from institutions and companies that profit from Israeli genocide, apartheid, and occupation of Palestine. Additionally, they demanded the university terminate all research partnerships with these institutions and companies, and reject any normalization with the Zionist regime in Israel.

Photo credit: YES member Matt Nemeth

The university refused to negotiate with the protesters. Instead, they sent police to break up the encampment. Police pulled out guns, struck protesters, and used unnecessary force. One of our members, Don Johnson, was arrested during the protests.  

Photo credit: YES member Matt Nemeth

YES condemns this police brutality and the enablers in local government and the University of Pittsburgh’s administration. Mayor Ed Gainey and Chancellor Gabel refused to work with the protesters or address their demands. Instead, they continue to ignore the protests and turn a blind eye to the police brutality in their community.

YES will continue to stand with the ongoing encampments in universities across the U.S.  We also call for these universities to divest from Israel to stop the ongoing genocide. 

Don Johnson’s trial Monday at 1:30pm in Pittsburgh:
(PLEASE GO OUT AND SUPPORT HIM) https://www.instagram.com/p/C78T86rtAy9/