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SDSU Student Pushes for Human Dignity, Amidst Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

SAN DIEGO VOICE AND VIEWPOINT — Among their Jewish and Palestinian students, many campuses have been grappling with the intersection of free speech, censorship, and academic freedom in a way that does not marginalize any belief. Students in support of Palestine have made their reasoning to demonstrate clear: to call upon their institution to cut financial ties with funding sources supporting Israel. Meanwhile, in the wake of this heightened intensity, many Jewish students feel as if their safety is threatened and the demonstrations display antisemitic undertones.
The post SDSU Student Pushes for Human Dignity, Amidst Israeli-Palestinian Conflict first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

6 months ago

May 13, 2024

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By Macy Meinhardt | Voice & Viewpoint Staff Writer

Mateo Olmos, a San Diego State Graduate student is among the thousands of students right now actively exercising their freedom of speech in opposition to the war in Gaza.

“I don’t identify as Middle Eastern or Palestinian, I am Black and Mexican, but I do have friends that identify with both cultures, and I feel strongly about the liberation of people and helping the oppressed be free,” said Olmos, a graduate student in the Public Health Department.

Voice & Viewpoint caught up with Mateo last Tuesday as the “Walk out for Palestine” demonstration was ending at the university. Sporting a Martin Luther King t-shirt and Palestine flag in hand, directly across from him was an Israeli student holding up the Flag of Israel. The conversation was peaceful, but the scene was a sharp contrast to the images seen just an hour ago within the newsroom. Chaotic encounters of police arresting students, and violent engagements between Jewish and Palestinian students dominated the news cycle and took over our television. What was seen in front of Hepner Hall at SDSU couldn’t be farther than that.

“I feel like it is fair to get both points of view, because when people are protesting and there are counter protests or a conflict, there should be room for discussion. Both sides feel strongly about what they believe in, and I find it important to understand the opposing view and both sides of what is going on,” said Mateo.

Specifically, among their Jewish and Palestinian students, many campuses have been grappling with the intersection of free speech, censorship, and academic freedom in a way that does not marginalize any belief. Students in support of Palestine have made their reasoning to demonstrate clear: to call upon their institution to cut financial ties with funding sources supporting Israel. Meanwhile, in the wake of this heightened intensity, many Jewish students feel as if their safety is threatened and the demonstrations display antisemitic undertones.

In controversial mitigation efforts, across 68 campuses since April 12, AP has recorded that 2,400 plus student arrests have been made by law enforcement. Those numbers continue to rise, as of this week,64 UCSD students and supporters at the Gaza Solidarity encampment on campus were arrested by law enforcement for their peaceful protest.

Meanwhile over at SDSU the walk, organized by Students for Justice in Palestine, drew a crowd of over 1,000 students gathered in front of SDSU’s Hepner Hall to listen to speeches and rally peacefully in solidarity with Palestine.

“The turnout was great. There were a lot of people. It was peaceful. There was no violence. There was no vandalism— that I know of— just chalk, and the people calmly dispersed after, it was great,” said Olmos.

Officials report that there were no incidents that occurred on Tuesday. In a statement issued by the school, they said: “As a public university, and as aligned with our institutional values, San Diego State University must allow for constitutionally protected free speech and an individual’s right to acts of peaceful protest.”

According to Mateo: “we’re standing up against government powers that have control of our money and have control of our voices and opinions, and a lot of the time they do things that we don’t agree with. And so the people have the right to protest against children, mothers, women, men and families who are losing their lives, and nobody wants to see anybody lose a life. The Israeli, Jewish, Muslim, Palestinian Christian any—nobody wants to see anybody lose a life.”

What did the Israeli student share with you?

“He talked to me about how his family is from Israel and the time he lived there. He told me how he protests the government in Israel and does not believe in what they are doing and how there are a number of people who are protesting their government there as well.”

“I find it necessary and important to speak to people and get their point of view. And I actually learned a lot from that young man, so I’m glad I spoke to him.” Mateo reflects.

However, Mateo emphasizes that there is still a need to recognize what is transpiring in the United States and Israel, as well as the plight of the Palestinian people who are victims of displacement and genocide. Understanding the intricate context of history is essential, he noted.

Whether or not the students will ever see eye to eye, Mateo states that he ultimately recognizes that everyone is a human being in this conflict.

“Life is valuable. You don’t get to choose where you’re born or what culture you’re in. People have the right to live.”

As students and young people across the country navigate the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Mateo’s willingness to engage with opposing viewpoints and his call for empathy underscore the universal value of human life and dignity. In a world where voices over this issue continuously clash, the message resonates: regardless of differences, every individual deserves the right to live in peace.

Read our latest report on the developing landscape of college protests: HERE.

The post SDSU Student Pushes for Human Dignity, Amidst Israeli-Palestinian Conflict first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org