News Summary
Students from multiple California State University campuses have initiated a hunger strike demanding divestment from defense contractors. Beginning on May 5, 2023, the protest aims to raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, exacerbated by an Israeli blockade. Over 30 students are participating, highlighting food shortages and the plight of vulnerable populations in the region. Organized by ‘Students for Justice in Palestine,’ the protest emphasizes the need for CSU to sever financial ties with companies linked to the ongoing conflict.
California – Students from multiple campuses in the California State University (CSU) system, including CSU Long Beach, Sacramento State, San Francisco State, and San Jose State, have initiated a hunger strike to demand divestment from major defense contractors in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The strike began on May 5, 2023, amidst reports from the World Food Programme indicating severe hunger and malnutrition risks for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians due to an Israeli blockade of aid into the region.
For over two months, Israel has restricted humanitarian aid entering Gaza, which has led to critical food shortages in the area. As a result, the number of hunger strikers has risen to over 30 students across these CSU campuses. The protest is organized by the group “Students for Justice in Palestine,” aiming to raise awareness about the dire situation faced by Palestinians and pressuring the university system to sever financial ties with defense companies accused of complicity in the ongoing conflict.
The hunger strike is a symbolic protest designed to highlight the humanitarian crisis resulting from the blockade. It comes at a particularly urgent time, as the World Food Programme reported that all supported bakeries in Gaza closed on March 31 due to a lack of essential supplies such as wheat flour and cooking fuel. The last distribution of food aid occurred in late March, raising fears that vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, and the elderly, will face severe hunger.
Students participating in the hunger strike are taking safety precautions, including consuming water mixed with electrolytes and having their vitals monitored regularly. Some have reported experiencing symptoms like lightheadedness, muscle cramps, and fatigue, making it challenging to focus on studies, especially during final exams. Medical professionals are actively supervising the health of the strikers, and some individuals have had to withdraw due to health-related concerns.
While students are calling for a change in investment policies, the CSU Chancellor’s Office has stated that the hunger strike will not influence their investment decisions. Despite this, students are hopeful that their activism will echo past successful movements that led to divestment decisions at San Francisco State. Additionally, it has been noted that CSU Long Beach has seen a reduction in investments in some defense contractors, which the university attributed to market value changes over recent years.
The activists strongly argue that the CSU system’s financial connections to defense companies like Boeing, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman are unacceptable, especially given the crisis unfolding in Gaza. The students’ actions are part of a larger international response and reflect a growing movement of solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
The current protests and hunger strikes represent the students’ commitment to advocating for changes that align with their humanitarian concerns. As the situation in Gaza remains dire, the CSU students’ efforts serve as a vital reminder of the interconnectedness of global issues and the power of student activism in driving social and political changes.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Students at CSU Campuses Engage in Hunger Strike for Gaza
Additional Resources
- The Guardian: California State University Hunger Strike
- Wikipedia: Hunger Strike
- State Hornet: Sac State Palestine Hunger Strike
- Google Search: California State University Hunger Strike
- LB Watchdog: CSULB Students on Hunger Strike
- Google Scholar: Hunger Strike Activism
- Mercury News: CSU Students Hunger Strike Pro Palestine
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Humanitarian Crisis
- Los Angeles Times: Occidental College Students Hunger Strike
- Google News: California CSU Students Hunger Strike
Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
