Attendee Comments

"We are here today to be in solidarity with our comrades in the local organizing for Palestinian liberation, and to be in community and participate in holding repressive and complicit institutions accountable. We are heartened and enraged to see the evidence provided by all the groups and this has been an experience that centers and dignifies Palestinian...struggle against the empty rhetoric of the university."

"UMass as a war machine furthers the [Department of Defense] sponsored education of youth in the grossest [and] most immorally clandestine way possible. Shame! This state-sponsored complicity must end. Their 'progressive' brand is beyond hypocritical."

"I needed the grounding in community of truth-tellers and the clarity of a care-full presentation of so much of the complex and heart aching circumstantial evidence to remotivate my activism for justice..."

"I have noticed that UMass administrators have proliferated a cultural of political 'neutrality' and individualism among our community members. I have also noticed the repression of anti capitalist entities on campus, such as STPEC and student/community organizations."

"How is it possible that these institutions continue on with no repercussions when they are in obvious violations of international law?"

"I was arrested at the encampment May 7...All my experiences with UMass admin and the various corporate attorneys and finance bros who (think they) run this place absolutely corroborates the evidence brought by the prosecution!"

My experiences that support the charges include "[f]riends were brutalized. I've been ridiculed by security. Reyes refuses to talk to students...STPEC being fired ('let go'). 'Response' team telling us we can't be there (can't be loud)."

"[I'm] wanting to be with community to reflect on the methods of repression that weapons manufacturers, the state, university admins, etc. have imposed upon people protesting genocide. Also to hold these institutions accountable for enabling genocide in Gaza."

"[I'm here for c]onnections, humanity, the movement, the Revolution."

"...I love to be in community with other people who are committed to actively opposing genocide. I also wanted to learn the specific evidence of our institutions' complicity."

"[I'm here because of g]rief and anger over genocide [and d]esire for cross-institutional collaboration."

"As a student...I feel an obligation to try and improve my university however I can. During my time at UMass, I have seen the administration ignore student and faculty demands time and time again, repeatedly prioritizing profit. I think the tribunal is a great way to consolidate power and focus the movement on specific points. I hope that going forward these groups will continue to collaborate."