Attacks on Young Organizers Must End, Statement on the Targeting of Students for a Free Palestine
04/09/2025
We stand against and unequivocally condemn the targeting of student activists fighting for a free Palestine. We strongly condemn the arrests of Mahmoud Khalil, Rumeysa Ozturk, Alireza Doudi, Momodou Taal and all student organizers whose immigration status and courage to stand up against injustice has been exploited by the Trump administration’s agenda to thwart and suppress a popular movement’s struggle for justice. These abhorrent assaults on people’s fundamental rights directly assault not only individual rights, but the core democratic values that should protect all voices, particularly those of young people and marginalized communities. Students, as our future leaders and change-makers, must never be silenced or targeted for exercising their right to express their views and stand against US-backed genocide.
Young people, especially students, have historically stood at the forefront of social movements, driving change long before larger society accepts movements for justice. They are often the catalysts for progress, challenging systems of injustice and pushing for a better future. It remains crucial that we support and protect their right to speak out, as their voices are essential in shaping the world we live in. In this moment young people, especially young students of color, must be protected.
This is a call to action for all feminists and organizers who believe in justice and equality. We must rise up, join the student divest movement, and demand accountability from those who seek to suppress free expression and justice movements. It is essential that we protect the rights of students, especially those from marginalized communities. This is not just about one person or several students, this is about defending the principles of democracy, freedom, and human dignity for everyone and challenging ongoing U.S. mass violence.
Moreover, we stand against the ongoing genocide in Palestine. The systemic violence and oppression being carried out against the Palestinian people must end. We cannot remain silent in the face of these atrocities. We call for an end to the violence, now. Let us stand together in solidarity, ensuring that no one—especially students—is silenced in the pursuit of justice, freedom, and dignity, and a world without genocide.