Quaker Lobby Condemns Violent Response to Peaceful Student Protests Demanding a Gaza Ceasefire

The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) condemns the violent response to students exercising their right to peaceful protest, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to U.S. complicity in the war.

The United States has a long history of student activism and protest while exercising their constitutional right to freedom of speech. As Quakers, we strongly support the right to non-violent protest and student calls for peace and an end to the violence in Israel and Palestine.

We call on universities to protect civil liberties and ensure the safety of Jews, Muslims, and all students on campus. The violent response to peaceful protesters is unacceptable and will do nothing to address the rapid rise of hate and polarization globally. Antisemitism and Islamophobia, as well as anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab racism, are deeply serious issues that deserve holistic solutions that bring our communities together and not sow further division.

We urge government and university leaders to permit peaceful protests on campuses, protect freedom of speech, oppose all forms of violence against people exercising their fundamental rights, and work to achieve a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.