Pro-Hamas Group Launches Gaza Encampment After Harvard Suspends Them

The Palestine Solidarity Committee at Harvard University was suspended from campus activities – and responded to that suspension by setting up a “Gaza solidarity encampment” in defiance of the school administration.

The official X account for National Students for Justice in Palestine shared video of the student protesters swarming Harvard Yard — which was roped off in advance of protests that took place over the weekend.

“Incredible video from @HarvardPSC,” the caption read. “Just yesterday, Harvard University placed the Harvard Palestine Solidarity Committee (PSC) under suspension. Less than 24 hours later, students launched a Gaza solidarity encampment. THE MORE THEY TRY TO SILENCE US THE LOUDER WE WILL BE.”

Incredible video from @HarvardPSC

Just yesterday, Harvard University placed the Harvard Palestine Solidarity Committee (PSC) under suspension. Less than 24 hours later, students launched a Gaza solidarity encampment.

THE MORE THEY TRY TO SILENCE US THE LOUDER WE WILL BE pic.twitter.com/SnWTuiAan7

— National Students for Justice in Palestine (@NationalSJP) April 24, 2024

The group, according to The Harvard Crimson, had been ordered as of Monday to “cease all organizational activities for the remainder of the Spring 2024 term,” and students who defied that order were reportedly threatened with possible expulsion.

The PSC had been placed on probation in March, The Crimson reported, adding that school administrators had gone through with the suspension after the group had failed to “register” a Friday protest and had “violated protest guidelines regarding responsible use of space.”

“The organization will not be recognized and will not have access to university benefits and services during this time, including but not limited to use of campus space and appropriate use of the Harvard name,” the email informing the PSC of their suspension stated. “If the organization continues to operate and commits additional violations during this suspension, the organization risks permanent expulsion, as provided in the Resource Guide.”=The PSC released a statement in response to the suspension, claiming that they had endured “months of administrative repression, harassment and stalking by our own peers, and intimidation from right-wing politicians and donors.”

“After standing idly by as pro-Palestine students faced physical and cyber harassment, death threats and rape threats, and racist doxxing, Harvard has now decided to dismantle the only official student group dedicated to the task of representing the Palestinian cause,” the group complained.