“Power to the students forever. Every movement that has ever created social change in this country has been led and facilitated by young people and students. Do not forget your place in our actual history.” -Colorado Rep. Tim Hernandez
A 30-day protest in demand to end the war in Gaza and the human suffering of Palestinians gripped the Auraria Campus in Denver during 2024, leading to the arrests and upset of community members.
Tensions reached a high as the nation watched protests come to a head at Columbia University in New York, setting off mirrored movements on college campuses across the U.S. in opposition to the Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip after the worsening of the humanitarian crisis of Palestinians — especially with one of the youngest populations in the world. Students in Denver demanded that universities divest any connections linked to Israel.
Colo. State Rep. Elisabeth Epps joins students and community members to speak at the Auraria pro-Palestine protest alongside student organizer Khalid Hamu April 25 on the Tivoli Student Union Quad in Denver. Photo By Sara Martin.
A pro-Israel supporter raises his middle finger toward pro-Palestine protestors and journalists while being embraced by a friend and surrounded by police officers. Photo by Sara Martin.
Auraria Campus Police Department Chief Jason Mollendor (center) stands behind a line of officers that is creating a barrier with pro-Israel counter-protestors behind him May 3 on the Auraria Campus. Photo by Sara Martin.
Al Cannington, a CU Denver student and member of Jewish Voices for Peace chants into a bullhorn mic, saying “Ceasefire, yes. Zionism, no,” while moving toward pro-Israel protestors May 3. Photo by Sara Martin.
