PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Students protested on Brown University’s campus Wednesday, claiming the quad as a ‘Gaza Solidarity Encampment.’ The Brown Divest Coalition organized the protest starting at 6 a.m. as one of many part encampments popping up nationally at prestigious universities. “It’s really an amazing sight to see a community come together for liberation like this moment,” said Arman Deendar, a spokesperson for the Brown Divest Coalition. “And it’s what makes this moment right now such a crucial point in turning a national movement into actual action.” Protestors demanded the university divest from companies they say are supporting the Israeli Defense Forces in a war with Gaza. “We’re focused on bringing an end to war and genocide in Gaza,” said Rafi Ash, another spokesperson for the Brown Divest Coalition. “And to bring justice to the Palestinian people.” The sea of tents on Brown’s main green stayed peaceful as of Wednesday evening, unlike some other protests around the country. However, a fear of escalation is a worry for some Jewish students. “These students have freedom of expression,” said Daniel Solomon, a student on the Brock Student Committee on Antisemitism. “However, safety of students, Jewish students and otherwise have absolutely the right to be safe on their campus, to not feel discriminated on their campus, and that is the most important factor moving forward as we navigate this situation.” Solomon said the encampment at the university is feeding a divide. “The presence of the Israel-Hamas War on campus is something that is inherently polarizing,” Solomon said. “It’s tearing our community apart.” Another student, Jake Sheykhet said he has family in Israel, and the encampments are personal to him. Sheykhet said that walking by protestors on his way to class can be a tense experience, adding that the encampment does not allow for any type of dialogue between pro-Palestine students and students that feel differently. “Once it starts getting into slogans that are reiterating what Hamas says…that’s where it gets into hate speech and that’s where they don’t have that right anymore,” Sheykhet said. “But as of right now, I don’t see that.” “It’s tough to see reminders everyday,” he continued. “It’s tough to walk through, it makes me more tense. It certainly doesn’t add any light to my day, it doesn’t add anything positive to my day.” The latest encampment follows a similar protest on Brown’s campus back in December that ended with 41 students arrested. Meanwhile, Brown University President Cristina Paxson said in a statement that safety and security of the community is the primary concern. Students on the green have been asked for their ID’s and have been informed they will face conduct hearings. Categories: News, Providence, Rhode Island