Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) is a nationwide student organization founded in 1993 to advocate for Palestinian rights and oppose Israeli policies. SJP is a leading proponent of the BDS movement on campuses, aiming to pressure universities to divest from companies associated with Israel’s military activities. The group works to educate and mobilize students around the Palestinian cause and build coalitions with other marginalized communities
Activity
- Protests and Demonstrations: SJP organizes campus protests, such as mock “apartheid walls” and “eviction notices,” to dramatize the conditions Palestinians face under Israeli occupation. They also frequently disrupt events featuring pro-Israel speakers to promote their cause.
- BDS Campaigns: SJP chapters lead efforts to pass divestment resolutions, urging universities to cut financial ties with corporations that profit from Israeli military operations
Notable Actions
- Protest at Columbia University (2023): SJP’s chapter led a significant protest demanding the university divest from companies linked to Israel’s military. The event involved several confrontations with opposing groups and heightened campus security concerns.
- National Day of Resistance (2022): SJP coordinated protests across multiple campuses to mark a day of action for Palestinian solidarity, drawing participation from thousands of students and faculty members
