The Greater Philadelphia branch will participate in a People’s Tribunal on War Crimes and Genocide in Gaza on May 31st, led by the grassroots organization Fridays at Fetterman’s, along with AFSC and FOSNA. Branch members were also motivated to quickly organize a supportive vigil near Swarthmore College’s campus recently to recognize the courage of students and community members who created an anti-genocide encampment a year after campus officials took down the previous one and just two months after college administrators took punitive actions against last year’s student activists. 

As with other college protest actions, this one was peaceful, engaged in teach-ins, and used social media to reach out to students on other campuses to join them. After three short days, the campus administration called municipal police to arrest those who did not voluntarily leave, including students and community members.

WILPF members used this opportunity to reach out and create a network with alumni and staff who share our concerns about the college’s harsh treatment of the students. As member Suzanne de Seife stated, “They [the students] feel compelled to do what they can to try to stop the genocidal bombing, sniping, and starving of innocents. Urging the college to divest from Cisco and other companies that have contracts with the Israeli government was their way of advocating.”  

A sign displayed at an action near the Swarthmore College campus shows support for student protesters. Photo by Suzanne de Seife.

We continue engaging with the local community to determine ways to work together. WILPF branch members were joined on the street corner near the college by others who also called on Swarthmore College to focus on their Quaker roots. Those attending the WILPF branch demonstration of support for the protesting students held large signs for all to see as traffic and pedestrians slowly moved by during rush hour. Many drivers honked their horns in support. Passersby stopped to engage in conversation about the student protest and the genocide occurring against Palestinians.

When institutions in our country limit students’ rights to protest and smear their reputations by labeling them terrorists or supporters of terrorists, the freedoms of all in our nation are at risk, especially for those of us who work against the war machine. As WILPF members, we will continue supporting students’ rights to free speech, including on college campuses. We will also point out to the public how the goals of Project 2025 to suppress free speech on campuses conflict with the First Amendment rights of students, staff, and faculty to freely speak out in favor of moving our country away from facilitating genocide, away from perpetual war, and toward peace and freedom based on justice and human rights.