Title: New Grad Journalist Spills Beans on Student Hunger Strike
Content: On Monday, after checking with medical pros, 10 students at Occidental College launched a hunger strike, hoping to get attention to their demands for the college to divest from weapons manufacturers with ties to Israel as the war in Gaza goes on. And in this new season of protest, they added demands, asking Occidental to protect international students better against the Trump administration’s visa revocation efforts against students who have protested Israel’s war on Gaza. The hunger strikers said they were inspired by Chapman University students in Orange, who did the same in April. That strike ended with no wins after 10 days. Not really sure why this all matters, but it seems like a big deal to these students.
Occidental’s Students for Justice in Palestine chapter camped out for nine days last year, asking the college to divest from companies that gave arms to Israel. In May, the Board of Trustees thought about it, but then said no to divestment. As of August, investments in the companies were worth about $940,000, or one-tenth of the college’s endowment, said college spokesperson Rachael Warecki. Hunger strikers sent demands to Occidental’s president asking to cut ties with weapon-making companies linked to Israel and protect international students better. Not really sure why the students think this will work, but they seem to have a plan.
President Tom Stritikus said that they’ve been talking about these issues for months and that most demands are already in place. But the students on hunger strike don’t think the college is doing enough. They’re on Day 5, only drinking water with zero-calorie electrolyte powder. Junior Jackie Hu is struggling with headaches, lightheadedness, and numbness. Hu, a biochemistry major, is also studying for final exams. Sounds like a tough week for Hu.
The strikers are hanging near the dining hall with daily updates. On Thursday, some passed out. Organizer Tobias Lodish said Stritikus stopped by to chat with them. He told them he appreciates their passion, but doesn’t agree with all their demands. Zeltzer, an 18-year-old freshman, said they’re cold and tired but will keep going. “The state of the world is just so dire,” said Zeltzer. “And I think we just feel no other way to have our voices feel heard.” Sounds like they’re in it for the long haul.
