Last Monday, a group of 10 students at Occidental College began a hunger strike to highlight their demands regarding the college’s financial ties to weapons manufacturers linked to Israel. This protest comes amid ongoing violence in Gaza. The students hope their actions will prompt the college to divest from these companies and support international students facing visa issues under the current administration.
The hunger strikers were motivated by a similar strike that took place at Chapman University in April, which lasted 10 days without yielding any concessions. This new wave of protests reflects a shift in tactics among students at California universities, particularly after many campuses have restricted overnight protests that previously led to confrontations.
These students are part of the college’s Students for Justice in Palestine chapter, which previously occupied a campus area for nine days last year, demanding divestment from companies supplying arms to Israel. Although the Board of Trustees agreed to consider divestment, they ultimately voted against it.
As of August, Occidental College had approximately $940,000 invested in the companies targeted by the students, a small fraction of the college’s overall endowment. The hunger strikers are asking for the college to remove these investments and provide legal support for international students who may face visa revocations due to their activism.
Occidental’s president, Tom Stritikus, acknowledged the students’ concerns but stated that many initiatives they seek are already being implemented. He mentioned that the college had signed an amicus brief against the administration’s efforts to revoke the legal status of international students. Stritikus emphasized the college’s commitment to supporting students but noted that he does not agree with all the methods used by the hunger strikers.
The students, who are currently consuming only water mixed with electrolyte powder, have reported physical challenges as the strike progresses. Some have experienced headaches and fatigue. Jackie Hu, a junior, expressed her struggle to balance studying for finals while participating in the protest, stating that the situation in Gaza is dire and warrants urgent action.
Each day, the students gather near the campus dining hall, marking their strike on a cardboard sign. They have shared emotional messages about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes and a blockade have severely impacted food supplies.
As the hunger strike continues, the students remain determined to make their voices heard, feeling that their actions are necessary in light of the current global situation.