At Bowdoin College, tensions are rising as students protest over the administration’s lack of response to a student referendum calling for Palestinian solidarity. The protest, which began with an encampment in the college’s Smith Union building, has quickly escalated, leading to disciplinary actions against the students involved.
In this post, we’ll dive deep into the Bowdoin protest sparked by the college’s handling of the Palestinian Solidarity Referendum, as well as the recent controversial statements by President Trump regarding Gaza. Let’s break down the key aspects of the protest, why it’s causing such a stir, and what’s at stake for the Bowdoin College administration and its students.
What Sparked the Protest at Bowdoin College?
The Bowdoin protest is primarily a reaction to the college’s failure to respond to the Bowdoin Solidarity Referendum passed by students in May 2024. This referendum had widespread support among the student body and contained several key demands, including:
- Transparency on College Investments: The referendum urged Bowdoin to disclose investments in arms manufacturing and commit to not investing in the defense industry in the future.
- Commitment to Divestment: The protest also demanded that Bowdoin immediately commit to divesting from weapons industries.
However, despite these strong demands, the college administration has not acted on them, prompting a group of students, particularly those in the Bowdoin Students For Justice in Palestine (SJP), to take action.
The Role of President Trump’s Gaza Comments in the Protest
The timing of the protest is no accident. Just days before the encampment, President Donald Trump made controversial statements during a White House press conference, in which he discussed plans to “take over Gaza” and “redevelop” the region. These comments were widely condemned by both American politicians and international human rights organisations, including those in Maine’s federal delegation.
In response, Bowdoin Students For Justice in Palestine expressed their outrage, stating that Trump’s remarks demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Israel’s policies and a disregard for Palestinian lives. The protest was framed as an act of solidarity with the Palestinian people, particularly those in Gaza and the West Bank, and a direct response to Trump’s support for Israeli policies.
As organisers put it, the Gaza Strip is “not for sale,” referencing statements made by Birzeit University professors in Gaza.
The Encampment: The Protest Grows
The protest began on the night of February 6, 2025, when Bowdoin SJP set up an encampment in the Smith Union, the college’s central student union building.
Key Highlights of the Protest:
- Initial Demonstration: The protest began with a demonstration outside the Smith Union building, followed by students entering and setting up tents inside. The encampment included a banner reading “Shaban al-Dalou Union,” which was dedicated to a Palestinian student killed in an Israeli airstrike.
- Student Defiance: Despite warnings from the Senior Associate Dean for Student Affairs, students refused to leave the building. Around 1 a.m., security began collecting student IDs, but around 50 students remained inside, determined to continue their protest.
- Disciplinary Threats: The administration made it clear that students would face consequences if they did not vacate the building by the deadline. Disciplinary hearings were scheduled for students, with some reportedly given only four minutes’ notice to appear.
Bowdoin College Responds: Disciplinary Action and Campus Policies
In a statement from Bowdoin’s Vice President of Student Affairs, Jim Hoppe, the administration defended its decision to enforce policies regarding student protests:
-
Freedom of Expression: While the college stated that it supported students’ right to protest, it made clear that protests cannot disrupt normal operations. According to the administration, Smith Union is a shared space that must be accessible to all students, and blocking access violated college policies.
-
Disciplinary Consequences: The college confirmed that the students involved in the protest would be subject to disciplinary action. The college’s official response emphasised that their priority was ensuring a safe environment for all students, faculty, and staff.
However, student organisers have expressed frustration, claiming that the administration is trying to isolate them and “villainize” their cause. In their statement, they vowed to stay encamped for as long as necessary to push the Bowdoin administration to take action on the referendum.
Solidarity and Support for the Protestors
The protest has not only gained attention from students but has also received widespread support from faculty, alumni, and members of the broader Brunswick community. Students involved in the protest have noted the solidarity they are receiving, even as they face possible disciplinary actions.
The demonstrators believe their actions are part of a larger global struggle for Palestinian rights, and they are seeking more than just symbolic gestures from the administration. Their goal is to bring about tangible, institutional changes that align with the Bowdoin Solidarity Referendum and its demands.
What’s at Stake: The Future of Student Protests at Bowdoin College
At its core, this protest is a matter of student activism versus institutional power. As Bowdoin College grapples with this protest, questions surrounding academic freedom, freedom of speech, and institutional responsibility are at the forefront.
For the students, the protest represents a stand for what they see as fundamental human rights. They view the administration’s lack of action as a failure to align with their values and moral obligations. They argue that Bowdoin has an ethical responsibility to listen to its students and support their efforts for social justice.
For the college, the disciplinary action is an attempt to enforce policies designed to maintain campus order. However, many critics argue that by cracking down on student protests, Bowdoin risks alienating its own students, faculty, and the broader community.
Conclusion: Bowdoin’s Next Steps
As of now, the Bowdoin protest is still ongoing, and it remains unclear how the college will resolve the conflict. The students are firm in their commitment to see the demands of the Palestinian Solidarity Referendum realised, while the administration is standing by its policies.
What happens next will be a crucial moment for Bowdoin College, as it navigates the tension between student activism and institutional governance. Will they meet the demands of their students, or will the protestors be silenced by disciplinary measures?
Relevant Links for Further Reading:
- Bowdoin College Student Solidarity
- Gaza Conflict Overview
- Palestinian Solidarity Referendum at Bowdoin
- Freedom of Expression and Campus Protests
Photo credit: Sheppnews
