BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Student protests over the war in Gaza continue at the University of Vermont and Middlebury College.
The encampment at UVM began Sunday. Students are now on their fourth day of peaceful demonstrations, and they say they’re not going anywhere until the school meets their demands.
Students involved in the protest have now met with members of the administration. The protesters say the school has promised to deliver a list of financial investments to them by the end of the week, and administrators will meet privately to discuss the decision surrounding their upcoming commencement speaker. Other student demands include divesting from companies that manufacture weapons and from Israeli companies. They’re also asking for amnesty for all students engaged in protests.
The student we spoke to did not want to have his face shown on camera over concerns of repercussions. He says they are aware of what has happened at other protests throughout the country but they do not plan to leave until all their demands are met.
“They’ve communicated that they don’t want this encampment to go the way of other universities and we say we don’t want that either but that’s contingent on you negotiating with us,” the student said.
UVM officials say the meetings with student protesters are ongoing and will continue in order to find common ground.
“We are really looking to make sure that we are not rushing the process of understanding about what is important to students and why, and how we can find common cause on issues that matter candidly across our community to all of us,” said Erica Caloiero, the UVM vice provost for student affairs.
UVM officials say student protesters were given written notice that they are violating several campus policies and the student conduct process is underway.
At Middlebury College, more than students remain camped out on that campus.
Students say they will not be moving until the school meets their demands, which also include divestment from companies doing business with Israel and cutting ties with Israeli schools.
Middlebury College officials say they met with students on Tuesday and plan to continue discussions in the coming days.