Caleb Pope ’27
Staff Writer
popecse95@lakeforest.edu
Slightly a year after the October 7th attack, protests supporting both Israel and Palestine have erupted across the nation. Students at Lake Forest College conducted a walkout at 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, October 8th which sought to highlight the struggles of Palestinians.
The walkout began with students forming a circle around the school’s library. Then after this gathering, organizers spoke on Palestine and grievances with Israel and its actions. After this, organizers opened the floor to both other organizers, and attendees to share experiences of those in Gaza. This portion of the event allowed students from all backgrounds, especially those with origins from the region, to share stories on how the conflict has affected both the people of Gaza, and themselves. Lastly, organizers called on those in the audience to show support both directly and indirectly such as the use of flags and posters.
Earlier in the semester, the Lake Forest College dean of students Ed Whipple released an email that “introduced new guidelines for demonstrations and protests on campus.” Previously last year, protests occurred regarding the conflict in Gaza. However, now these guidelines, students wishing to protest on campus grounds must “be registered with the Gates Center for Leadership and Personal Growth.”
Many of those in attendance and those who organized the walkout, expressed the event was somewhat intended to respond to these recent changes. Attendees felt the college’s administration was harming the ability of students to protest with its new guidelines. People at the event stressed that it was important to allow freedom to protest peacefully without restrictions.
An organizer of the event, Rayan Khalid, felt the new guidelines were not created in favor of helping students. He shared how he felt that the school administration did not wish to help or protect students of color.
“The rules exist to squash protests,” Khalid said.
Those who spoke were clear that they believe Israel’s actions have caused the conditions present in Gaza and that if peace is to return to the region, the country must cease occupation. The walkout Tuesday was an emotional experience that sought to highlight both the stories of Palestinians in Gaza, as well as students at the school who experienced trauma from the conflict. An organizer of the event, and LFC student, Iman Hamdan, said the event was meant to show that Palestinians are “not just a number.”
This message was very much present in how the walkout was conducted. Students from both the audience and organizers came forward to speak to the crowd concerning individuals and families in Gaza who have suffered and been killed during the conflict.
One attendee spoke eloquently by demonstrating that people forget that Palestinians are people and have “40,000 stories, plans, and families.” This message rang clearly in the minds of those attending, encapsulating the true intent of the event, which was to highlight innocent victims of the conflict and to position the situation in Gaza close to those so far away.
