SJP (Bowdoin Students For Justice in Palestine) has been taking actions since last spring to pressure the College into meeting the referendum’s demands, taking the stance that Bowdoin’s investment practices make it complicit in the conflict in Gaza. In October, SJP held a sit-in outside a Board of Trustees meeting in Daggett Lounge to urge trustees to reevaluate College investment practices.

When addressing protesters on Thursday, SJP organizer Yusur Jasim ’25 said that Trump’s threats to overtake Gaza have ramped up the urgency of SJP’s demands.

“President Trump’s recent statement suggests a potential endorsement on Israel’s annexation of the West Bank, a move that threatens the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people and undermines the prospects for a just and lasting peace,” Jasim told the crowd.

Students for Justice in Palestine form encampment in Smith Union by Emma Kilbride, The Bowdoin Orient, Feb 7, 2025

ENCAMPMENT FOR GAZA: Students for Justice in Palestine formed an encampment on the first floor of Smith Union. Organizers protested Donald Trump’s recent comments on U.S. “ownership” of Gaza and reiterated calls for the College to meet the demands of last year’s “Bowdoin Solidarity Referendum.”

Timeline

February 7, 2025, 8:30 a.m.: A group of about 15 students assembled in the odeon outside the side entrance to Smith Union before approaching the door to chant while a security guard blocked the doors inside.

“To our beautiful bears who are encamping inside the Union, we send you our love, we will not leave you,” students chanted. “This institution does not scare us. To the security, you do not scare us.”

February 7, 2025, 8:18 a.m.: Senior Vice President and Dean for Student Affairs Jim Hoppe emailed all students and employees alerting them of the encampment in Smith Union.

“While the College respects the right of students and all campus members to express themselves, it is crucial that we maintain an environment that supports equal access to college facilities and operations for everyone,” Hoppe wrote in an email.

He alerted the campus that conversations had been attempted with students in the encampment, and the students were informed that if tents were not removed, it would result in a student disciplinary process.

February 7, 2025, 8:15 a.m.: Bowdoin Safety and Security have officers posted at each entrance of the Smith Union and are informing people trying to enter the building that Smith Union is closed for today. Bowdoin Orient staff were denied entry to the building.

February 7, 2025, 1:20 a.m.: Nichols and Toro-Ferrari left the premises after collecting student information from the first floor of Smith Union. At least 50 protesters remained in the encampment. “The more you try to silence us, the louder we will be,” students chanted.

Several protesters are planning to stay the night in the encampment and discussed sleeping arrangements.

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Students for Justice in Palestine form encampment in Smith Union by Emma Kilbride, The Bowdoin Orient, Feb 7, 2025