Stanford vice provost says school will not negotiate with hunger-striking students over Gaza

Stanford University has told student activists participating in a hunger strike for Gaza that it will not negotiate in response to their list of demands. Vice Provost for Student Affairs Michele Rasmussen addressed the issue in a letter, saying the school acknowledges students’ right to protest, but will not be pressured into concessions.

"Dear students," the email began, "I am writing in response to your May 10 communication regarding your plan to begin a hunger strike. The university does not intend to negotiate in response to your demands. We respect the rights of students to express their views in ways within the limits of our time, place, and manner of rules. At the same time, we urge students to consider forms of expression that do not jeopardize their health and well-being. If you do continue with your hunger strike, we strongly encourage you to take precautions to support your health. The resources of Vaden Health Services and Student Affairs will be available to you in this regard. Sincerely, Michele Rasmussen.”

The action was launched by Stanford Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), who began the hunger strike Monday with a rally in White Plaza. The Stanford Daily reported that between 50 and 100 people attended the event, which featured speeches and a tabling campaign. A mix of students and faculty are participating in the hunger strike.

David Palumbo-Liu, a comparative literature professor and member of Stanford Faculty & Staff for Justice in Palestine, addressed the crowd, saying, “When all other means fail… you put your bodies on the line.” He said this, although he is not participating in the strike himself.

The student activists have previously called for Stanford to divest from companies connected to the Israel Defense Forces. In October, the university’s Board of Trustees declined an SJP petition demanding divestment from defense firms with IDF ties.

The hunger strike is the latest in a series of demonstrations aiming to pressure the school administration. Activists say their protest is part of a broader statewide movement, with similar actions taking place at campuses including San Jose State, San Francisco State, Sacramento State, CSU Long Beach, and CSU East Bay.

According to SJP’s social media, the protest is inspired by the historical examples of Palestinian prisoner fasts and other hunger strikes as forms of protest.