Johnson Hall, located near the center of the University of Oregon campus in Eugene, Ore., is the university’s main administration building. (Marissa Willke/Emerald)
At 12:00 p.m., several University of Oregon student groups including Students for Justice in Palestine and UO Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine held a rally in front of Johnson Hall in support of the freedom of Palestinian activist and Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil, who was arrested by federal agents on March 8.
Around 50 people, including students and community members, gathered in front of Johnson Hall. Some held signs opposing United States Immigrations and Customs Enforcement., including statements such as “Free Khalil,” “Crush ICE” and “Freedom of speech is the law.”
Speakers advocated for the release of Mahmoud Khalil as well as advocated for the freedom of student protestors. Several of the speakers chose not to include their names during their portions of the rally.
“Mahmoud Khalil is a political prisoner. Advocacy is not a crime,” one speaker said. “Now is the time to stand up to fascism and not allow state kidnappings of people to continue.”
In response to the actions taken against Khalil, the crowd shouted “shame.”
Members chanted “Free Mahmoud Khalil.” This was followed by another speaker expressing “disgust” at the legal action taken against Khalil.
Khalil is currently detained in Jena, Louisiana, according to CNN. According to Khalil’s attorney, his green card had been revoked by the Trump administration.
“We resist the occupation, we resist the deportation,” another speaker initiated in a chant.
Three UO police officers and one UOPD vehicle were present at the rally.
“As fascism grows, our unity grows, and that’s where our power is,” an organizer with SJP said.
The rally ended with encouragement to get involved and participate in local community groups.
“When immigrants are under attack, stand up, fight back,” “Free Mahmoud Khalil” and “In our thousands, in our millions, we are all Palestianians,” were among the final chants.
