On Tuesday April 29, Villanova Student Voices for Palestine hosted “Tour Villanova: a Genocide Supporter.” This was its final rally of the year. Protestors met outside of the Connelly Center, and then made their way around campus.
Demonstrators were dressed mostly in all black and wearing masks. This attire was encouraged on the organization’s instagram in an effort to protect the identities of protestors.
The rally was not limited to solely students, and several faculty, staff and community members were in attendance as well.
Several banners were also displayed at the rally, with statements such as “there are no schools left in Gaza,” and “blood on your hands,” written on them.
The rally began with words from senior Akintade Asalu, who drew attention to the cause and demanded that the University acknowledge it.
While originally scheduled for 12:15 p.m, the rally itself did not begin until 12:32 p.m. Public Safety arrived at 12 p.m.
Asalu spoke to The Villanovan about the organization, as well as the intent behind the rally.
“We’ve been doing consistent organizing all year,” Asalu said. “This is going to be kind of a culmination of everything that we’ve been doing.”
The rally was organized to mirror a tour, with the group stopping at various spots on campus to call upon certain members of administration and highlight demands.
“So, essentially, we’re going to be going to different buildings on campus,” Asalu said. “We’re going to be stopping there, speaking and discussing the relevance and how that ties into Villanova’s complicity in Israel’s genocide of Palestine.”
The group of demonstrators could be heard chanting “Bombs are dropping while you are learning,” and “Free, free Palestine,” as they made their way towards John Barry. There, they drew attention to the University’s ties with the aerospace and defense company Lockhead Martin.
Sophomore Marisa Canepa spoke with The Villanovan about her involvement in the cause and specifically discussed the University ties to the company.
“I was one of the organizers for the rally,” Canepa said. “ I also gave speeches and met with administration and public safety to coordinate everything and make sure were in compliance with all the rules”
Canepa echoed what had been previously said in regards to the relations between the University and Lockhead Martin, ties that the organization is calling on the University to sever.
“Lockhead Martin is the main sponsor of the career fair,” Canepa said.
When asked about the significance of today, organizers and protestors stated that between the nice weather and the Friday schedule, it was a good day to gain attention to their cause.
“To have a protest, you have to disrupt the status quo,” Asalu said.
Canepa also chose to highlight that despite the attention the rally may have attracted, administration has made it increasingly difficult for the group to hold protests.
“Admin has been working really hard to repress us by making up policy to not allow us to do certain things,” Canepa said. “We’re not doing anything that’s dangerous or anything illegal.”
Following a variety of speeches and chants outside of John Barry, the demonstration then made its way over to Tolentine, where they specifically called upon the Office of the President to share their demands and bring awareness to their cause.
This was done mostly due to frustration over censhorship and new policy. In past Instagram posts made by their account, they have highlighted this shift in limitations on their events as President Donald Trump took office.
While the year comes to a close, organizers and protestors say their cause is not complete. While this may be the final rally, their social media will remain active to raise awareness, and they are in the midst of planning fall events.
“We’re going to come back in the fall and keep doing speeches, keep doing rallies and keep fundraising,” Canepa said.
Despite the difficulty posed by administration, the organization said they will continue their efforts next fall.
Students who are interested in getting involved can follow Student Voices for Palestine on social media (@Villanova_svp), or attend the events they are in the works of planning for the next academic year.
